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Most people have four molars that come in on each side of the jaw: two on top and two on the bottom. These teeth are called "third molars," or wisdom teeth because they typically come when you are between the ages of 16 and 20. Since there is generally plenty of room for these teeth to erupt properly and have a healthy function, they do not always need to be removed. It is an extra tooth that develops in the very back of the mouth. It becomes impacted, or stuck, inside the jaw and may cause pain.

Some patients can have their wisdom teeth removed while they're asleep under anesthesia, while others may need to have the procedure done in the Fort Collins dentist CO's office using local or general anesthetics. If a patient's wisdom teeth are impacted and require extraction, the dentist Fort Collins may need to remove bone and gum tissue to fully remove the teeth. 

When problems develop with wisdom teeth, they can create a host of issues. Pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth – are common reasons why people choose to get their wisdom teeth extracted. While not every situation requires removal, in many cases, this procedure is the best course of action for a healthy mouth. 

What Does Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed Involve?

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a routine procedure, but there are a few things you should know about it. You will probably need to have some X-rays taken before the procedure begins. This will help Fort Collins dentist CO plan your surgery and ensure that everything goes smoothly and safely. Once you're in the treatment chair, your dentist Fort Collins CO will administer local anesthesia to make sure you don't feel any pain during your extractions. We then make a cut at the gum tissue surrounding the tooth to loosen it and pull it out. You may not feel much discomfort while the procedure is performed, but you may experience some swelling afterward. This tends to happen after most dental treatments and isn't anything to worry about. Usually, over-the-counter pain medication is enough to control the swelling, and you should notice an improvement within a couple of days. After a few days, you'll probably be back to normal and can resume normal activities.

After the procedure, some patients receive stitches afterward to help with healing. Patients should eat soft foods for the first couple of days following the procedure and take pain medication as directed by the dentist Fort Collins CO.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Harbor Dental, call our Fort Collins dentist CO at (970) 377-2456 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 2726 Illinois Dr. #101, Fort Collins, CO 80525.