How soon can I return to school or work after wisdom tooth extraction?

How soon can I return to school or work after wisdom tooth extraction?

tooth extraction CharlottesvilleMany times, patients’ wisdom teeth are removed because the retention of these teeth greatly increases one’s risk for developing painful and problematic oral health conditions such as TMJ dysfunction, chronic infection, periodontal disease, and dental caries. A tooth extraction – especially for wisdom teeth – is a preventive measure taken by a dental professional to preserve a person’s oral health and quality of life.

When it comes to returning to school or work after one’s procedure, the duration of recovery varies from person to person. Some patients return to work or school a day or two after their tooth extraction while others might need a little longer to heal. Our oral surgeons will help you decide what is best for your needs and provide a doctor’s note if necessary.

Why should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, should be removed for many reasons. Third molars erupt through the gums in early adulthood whereas the rest of permanent teeth come in during adolescence. While adult teeth are already established, third molars tend to become impacted or “stuck” because they do not have adequate room to come through the gums upright and in healthy positions.

The lack of space for wisdom teeth means that patients’ existing teeth may become crowded or overlapped. Moreover, impacted third molars are incredibly susceptible to developing abscesses and the neighboring gum tissue is prone to infection (periodontal disease) as well. Keeping wisdom teeth can be problematic for other reasons, too. Some patients may experience moderate facial pain and frequent headaches.

Since wisdom tooth retention threatens oral health and quality of life, dental professionals recommend tooth extraction as a preventive measure.

Will I be comfortable during a tooth extraction?

During tooth extraction procedures, our team takes the necessary measures to ensure that our guests have a positive experience. We will administer local anesthetic to relieve discomfort and if necessary, sedation to promote a relaxing experience.

To schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons at Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, call our friendly office today.