Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth and should typically be removed, especially if they're causing you pain or growing incorrectly. We offer wisdom teeth removal in La Vista, NE. Call for a free consultation.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in La Vista, NE

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars. They come in anywhere between the ages of 15 to 25 and are known to cause issues with many patients’ oral health. We can visually examine your wisdom teeth (if they have erupted) or use X-ray imaging to assess if they need to be removed.

Having your wisdom teeth extracted may seem like a rite of passage, but that’s not always the case. Depending on the shape of your mouth, the size of your teeth, and the position of your third molars, a wisdom teeth removal procedure is determined on a case-by-case basis. Proactive wisdom tooth removal can help to reduce the risk of problems such as crowded teeth, TMJ problems, infection, tooth decay, and damage to adjacent teeth.

Due to their position in the bone and against adjacent teeth, wisdom teeth can harm the healthy teeth next to them. Additionally, third molars are quite difficult to keep clean. So even if you have generally good oral hygiene, it’s possible that your wisdom teeth may develop an infection. Instead of treating them with gum infection therapy or a filling, it’s typically the standard of care to have the teeth removed for proactive purposes.

Illustration of a dental x-ray showing an inflamed wisdom tooth growing in sideways
  • How do I know if my wisdom teeth need removed?

    It’s important to note that while each patient is different, some common signs indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal. These signs include impaction (where the tooth is stuck under the gums or completely hidden), change in bite alignment, crowding or damage to other teeth, or only partially emerging.

    If wisdom teeth can’t emerge normally, they can become trapped within the jaw, leading to infection or a cyst that can damage other teeth or roots. Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth at an early age before the roots and bone are fully formed and when recovery is faster.

  • What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

    When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to come in normally, it is considered an impacted wisdom tooth. There are several degrees of impacted wisdom teeth depending on where the teeth lie within the jaw. Soft tissue impaction occurs when the crown of the tooth has penetrated through the bone, but the gum is still covering part of the tooth. When the tooth has partially erupted, but a part of the tooth remains submerged in the jawbone, this is considered partially bony impaction. Complete bony impaction occurs when the tooth is entirely encased by jawbone.

  • How do I relieve wisdom tooth pain?

    Relieving wisdom tooth pain can often be managed with home remedies and over-the-counter solutions, but it’s important to consult a dentist to understand the underlying cause of your pain, especially if it persists or worsens. Here are some methods to alleviate wisdom tooth pain temporarily:

    • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to help reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a minute before spitting it out.
    • Apply a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes. The cold can help reduce swelling and numb the area, offering temporary pain relief.
    • Be careful around the sore area and brush and floss your teeth regularly. Keeping your mouth clean is essential to prevent infection that could exacerbate the pain.
    • Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, like soups, yogurts, and smoothies, to avoid aggravating the painful area.
    • Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks, as they may increase pain. Also, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, as they can worsen inflammation.
    • Use a cold tea bag that has anti-inflammatory properties (peppermint or chamomile) and then gently apply it to the affected area.
    • Come see us! If your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should see us as soon as possible.
    Call Nebraska Dental Center

Comprehensive Dental Care

We provide a full array of dental services to suit the needs of individuals and families. Learn more about our services or request an appointment with us today.

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Nebraska Dental Center

8050 South 84th Street
La Vista, NE 68128
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Directions

From Giles Road in La Vista, turn into the strip mall anchored by Thrift World, Harbor Freight, and Dollar Tree. Nebraska Dental Center is a few businesses to the left of the Dollar Tree. Look for the green Nebraska Dental Center logo and the "Nebraska Dental Center" window decal.

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - Noon

Phone

(402) 331-1695