Sensitive Teeth: How To Make Dental Cleanings Less Painful

If you’ve ever felt the sting of sensitive teeth, you know what a painful experience it can be. One moment, you’re enjoying your favorite food or sipping a cold drink, and you’re the victim of a terrible toothache the next.

Tooth sensitivity occurs because of worn-down tooth enamel, which leaves dentin and nerve endings exposed. These parts of your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, air, and other stimuli.

Because of this, dental cleanings and oral health procedures can become very painful. The poking, scraping and polishing that occurs in a cleaning can become an anxiety-inducing experience, always wondering when the pain will hit.

At Mountain View Family Dental, we understand the pain of sensitive teeth, and we’re here to help. We can accommodate your needs to make dental cleanings less painful for you, and offer tips to reduce tooth sensitivity over time and maintain optimal oral health along the way.

Communication With Your Dentist

One of the most important aspects of reducing tooth sensitivity is to communicate your concerns to us before a professional cleaning. We won’t know we’re approaching a sensitive area in your mouth unless you say so.

We’ll ask you about any concerns at the beginning of your appointment. This is the perfect time to mention where you’re experiencing sensitivity in your mouth and your sensitivity triggers.

From there, we can adjust our cleaning process to be more gentle and careful around the sensitive areas while still keeping them clean. Never be afraid to tell us you’re uncomfortable—we want to make your dental cleaning as easy and painless as possible, and we’ll find a method that works for you.

Mitigating Tooth Sensitivity During Dental Cleanings

We have several different methods for reducing sensitivity during cleanings, ranging from topical treatments to medication and sedation. Together, we’ll find the option that’s best for you.

Desensitizing Gel

We can use desensitizing gels to reduce sensitivity during your teeth cleaning. These gels fill the dentinal tubules to block pain signals from reaching the nerves or by desensitizing the nerve endings, making them less responsive to external stimuli. Some gels also help strengthen the enamel to add more protection.

During the appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist applies the gel to your teeth for added comfort during the cleaning. You can also use desensitizing toothpaste at home. Simply brush as normal with this toothpaste and enjoy daily sensitivity prevention that lasts over time.

Pain Medication

For pain relief during a dental cleaning, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol before or after your visit. Adding sensitive or fluoride toothpaste will take it one step further to prevent further irritation. Always take just the recommended dosage of these medications and combine it with good oral hygiene for the best result.

In extreme cases, a doctor can prescribe extra-strength medication for tooth sensitivity, which can be taken ahead of your visit to reduce pain more effectively and for longer periods.

Regular Cleanings

You can also improve your tooth sensitivity simply by keeping regular dental appointments. When you come to see us every six months—and maintain great oral hygiene between visits—there will be less plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. This means we’ll have less to scrape off during your visit to keep your teeth healthy, which means less stimuli for your sensitive teeth and a much easier visit for you.

Maintaining regular cleanings also helps us ensure your teeth aren’t developing cavities, which can add to sensitivity. The earlier we detect and treat cavities, the less likely you are to develop more tooth pain. Avoiding dental cleanings will only lead to more dentin exposure.

Sedation Dentistry

In particularly bad cases of tooth sensitivity, we can also use sedation to make your dental appointments easier and minimize discomfort. Sedation dentistry is used to keep the patient relaxed during a procedure to make the process easier for both the patient and the dentist.

Sedation dentistry doesn’t always mean you’ll be asleep. Most of the time, patients remain awake but deeply relaxed. You’ll be able to respond to questions, but won’t be bothered by sights, sounds, or sensations occurring during the appointment.

For people with sensitive teeth, sedation can be a great tool because it reduces the awareness of pain during a dental procedure and keeps you relaxed throughout the process.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are several levels of sedation, each suited to different comfort levels and procedures:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative inhaled through a small mask to relax you during treatment. This sedation wears off quickly, so you can even drive yourself home
• Oral Sedation: You’ll take a pill before the appointment. It provides a deeper level of relaxation—you’ll feel drowsy but remain awake and aware
• IV Sedation: This method is delivered directly into the bloodstream for a faster, more intense effect. You may feel like you’re asleep or barely remember the procedure
• General Anesthesia: This method is reserved for more complex cases. It renders you completely unconscious. This option is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center setting

Mountain View Family Dental offers nitrous oxide, oral, and IV sedation for treating sensitive teeth. We can determine if sedation dentistry is a helpful tool for you.

Managing Sensitivity and Its Causes

Tooth sensitivity can feel like a sharp, sudden jolt—especially when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic.

This discomfort usually stems from worn enamel or exposed dentin, the layer of tissue beneath your tooth's outer shell. When the enamel wears away, tiny openings in the dentin allow temperature changes and certain foods to reach the nerve endings inside your teeth, triggering pain.

Common causes of sensitive teeth include enamel erosion, along with other factors:

• Worn Enamel: Often because of aggressive brushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or consuming acidic foods and drinks
• Gum Recession: Exposed tooth roots occur when gums pull away from the teeth. Roots don’t have protective enamel
• Tooth Decay or Cracked Teeth: These can expose the inner layers of the tooth
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): This habit can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease—all of which can worsen teeth sensitivity

Day-to-day tips to manage tooth sensitivity:

• Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth (often contains potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride)
• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle pressure
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, citrus, and wine
• Don’t skip regular dental cleanings because they help prevent and catch issues early.
• Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments, desensitizing toothpaste, or dental sealants that can help protect sensitive areas, strengthen enamel, and reduce sensitivity
• A night guard can reduce damage and discomfort if you grind your teeth.

With the right daily care and guidance from your dentist, sensitive teeth can be managed and protected, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods without hesitation.

Contact Us For Professional Treatments With Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth shouldn’t stand in the way of eating your favorite foods or visiting the dentist. We’re here to make your appointments easier with pain relief, help you reduce sensitivity long-term, and give you a healthy smile.

Contact us today with questions about keeping your smile pain-free.

How Dental Clinics Are Adapting to the Rise in Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer cases have been on the rise at a rate of about 1% per year since the mid-2000s. This rise in the disease can be attributed to many factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, middle age, and other linked conditions such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral cancer is considered deadly, with a five-year survival rate of about 68%.

Early detection is key when it comes to beating oral cancer. However, in the early stages, there are often no visible signs of oral cancer, or the signs seem like small, benign issues. These problems can further delay dental and medical professionals' attention. Dental offices need to constantly adapt to new technologies and screening techniques to stop oral cancer in its tracks.

As dentists, we take oral cancer very seriously. Although this topic can be grim, we empower our patients with the knowledge they need to decrease the risk of oral cancer. We also take preventative measures in our office to identify and prevent oral cancer risks.

Read on to learn how Mountain View Family Dental uses dental technology to screen for oral cancer and catch it early, along with how we as oral medicine specialists help you to prevent this disease from interrupting your life.

The Growing Need for Oral Cancer Screenings

The need for comprehensive oral cancer screenings is increasing, particularly among young adults. This increase can be attributed to risk factors such as:

• HPV Link: A significant amount of oral and oropharyngeal cancers are linked to HPV, which is also on the rise
• Gender: Men are more than twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women, partly because they’re more likely to partake in behaviors linked to oral cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol use
• Age: Oral cancer typically occurs in people over 55 years of age. This means a large population of adults is at increased risk as the baby boomer generation ages
• Tobacco Use: The rise in the use of cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products increases the risk of all types of oral cancer. Chewing tobacco is linked to cancer in the cheeks, gum, and lips, and smoking through a pipe is associated with cancer in the lip where the pipe rests
• Alcohol Consumption: Heavy, frequent drinking increases the risk of oral and throat cancer
• Sun Exposure: Unprotected sun exposure can increase the chances of cancer in the lips
• Genetics: People with a family history of oral cancer are more likely to get it themselves

Why Early Detection is Key

Oral cancer is often not discovered until its late stages because of symptoms that are hard to spot. This means that the disease can become deadly.

It’s important to recognize the signs of oral cancer:

• Bleeding, pain, or numbness in your oral cavity
• Lumps in the neck
• Mouth pain or sores that last more than two weeks
• Sore throat or hoarse voice that won’t go away
• A sensation of something being stuck in your throat
• Swelling in the jaw
• Trouble swallowing, chewing, or speaking
• White or red patches or lumps anywhere in your mouth

Looking for these signs can help signal abnormalities in your oral cavity. This is why it is crucial to keep up with regular bi-annual dental appointments.

You may mistake early signs for poor oral hygiene. Oral health professionals take a closer look and can seek these out in areas you may not be able to see on your own, ensuring early detection and successful treatment.

Small, localized cancer can typically be treated with surgery alone, but cancer that has already spread may be untreatable.

Enhancements in Oral Cancer Screening Techniques

The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify patients with signs of disease as early as possible. For decades, oral cancer screenings have been conducted using a variety of methods, the most common being a clinical examination.

A clinical exam is simply a visual examination and assessment of the mouth. It will include probing the oral cavity and surrounding tissues for abnormalities. This method can be conducted in primary care settings and is simple to carry out. Your provider will suggest a deeper examination if oral cancer is suspected.

New screening and testing methods are being used to detect oral cancer earlier than before as research technologies emerge. Here are a few of the most notable screening methods gaining popularity.

Optical Imaging

Optical imaging techniques detect oral cancer with high-resolution imagery of oral tissue. These techniques detect early signs of changes in tissue and cell architecture.

One optical imaging method that has gained popularity in recent years is fluorescence imaging. This technique uses blue light to detect precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Fluorescence imaging is a non-invasive screening and may reduce the need for a biopsy, as long as the cancerous lesions can be detected visually. It also allows the surgeon to see the extent of the tumor in real-time, helping to speed up the screening process. This method is also cost-effective, reducing the need for further tests.

Like any technology, fluorescence imaging has its limitations. It cannot detect cancerous lesions covered by thick keratin or collagen layers. It is also not a replacement for tissue examination—some patients may need an additional oral cancer screening to confirm a diagnosis, though fluorescence imaging is a helpful starting point for many.

Brush Biopsies

Brush biopsies are also gaining prominence in non-invasive oral cancer testing. This test can be administered by a dentist to identify oral cancer quickly and easily, without the need for surgery.

The healthcare professional will collect cells from potentially cancerous lesions in the mouth using a small brush. The brush is rotated 360 degrees on suspicious lesions and then placed on a glass slide so it can be analyzed for genetic signs of oral cancer.

A brush biopsy is a quick, painless procedure that is a useful tool for dentists. It can help us identify lesions that are suspicious but not clearly cancerous.

There are some limitations with brush biopsies. A positive result doesn’t necessarily confirm cancer—a positive result will often warrant a traditional biopsy. However, this method helps rule out cancer when a test is negative.

Bioimpedance

Another early detection method is bioimpedance. This involves investigating how living tissue reacts to an electrical impulse.

Bioimpedance tests for cell health and can quickly provide results with low costs and low skill requirements for dentists and nurses to administer and analyze the test. This makes bioimpedance appropriate for small practices with limited resources, offering good accuracy while requiring little equipment.

While this method is still being studied, it is a promising tool in oral cancer diagnosis for its many benefits.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly revolutionizing oral cavity cancer detection through image analysis and other methods.

AI-based tools can analyze saliva for changes that indicate cancer, provide an objective and consistent second opinion, and help automate the diagnostic process for faster results.

AI can improve the accuracy of oral cancer detection and reduce the likelihood of error. This makes it an incredibly valuable tool in the oral cancer screening process.

How We Provide Oral Cancer Prevention

It’s our duty and privilege to keep your mouth healthy as dentists. At Mountain View Family Dental, we employ a few strategies to keep you informed about oral cancer and stay updated with new advancements in cancer prevention.

Providing Oral Cancer Screenings

We offer screenings at our office as the first line of defense against the disease. During your oral cancer screening, you can expect a visual and physical exam where we assess your risk factors.

A dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, gums, lips, tongue, roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat using a bright light and mirror to carefully inspect for abnormalities, color changes, textural differences, or unusual growths.

They will use their hands to feel the tissues around your mouth and neck, checking for lumps, bumps, or tenderness. The dentist will pay special attention to areas at higher risk of cancer, such as the floor of the mouth, sides of the tongue, and soft palate. They will also check for enlarged lymph nodes.

Oral cancer screenings can be carried out at your bi-annual cleaning or as needed. Simply set up an appointment with us to get your screening.

Training and Skill Development for Dental Professionals

Of course, dentists and other dental care professionals need proper training to administer and analyze these enhanced technologies. At Mountain View Family Dental, we continually train our providers with new skills and information to stay updated on new technologies and advancements in our field.

We do this by encouraging our staff to gain certificates and specialized training for oral cancer diagnosis and treatment, using online platforms and virtual training, consulting with medical professionals when necessary to get interdisciplinary expertise, and attending workshops and sessions to stay updated through hands-on training and peer learning.

Patient Education

Oral cancer is a difficult topic, but the more you know about it, the more likely you’ll be to recognize symptoms if you have them. We empower our patients with knowledge so you’ll always feel in charge of your health.

Here are a few ways we offer information about oral cancer and other serious dental issues:

• Open Communication: Give us a call any time you’ve got a question. We’re more than happy to talk about your concerns and provide a professional opinion
• Same-Day Appointments: You can find help fast with us. We’re here when you’ve got pain or notice something new in your mouth
• Accessible Care: No dental insurance? Don’t let this stop you from getting oral cancer screenings. Our patient loyalty program is designed for patients without insurance and offers packages that include an annual oral cancer screening
• Our Blog: Our blog offers insight into many different topics related to dental health. Check out this resource to stay informed about industry news and advancements in dentistry

Lastly, we want to emphasize the importance of regular dental appointments and regular oral cancer screenings. Keeping up with your dental cleanings every six months is key to early detection of oral cancer.

The faster any changes are detected, the faster we can diagnose and treat you so you can return to a healthy, fulfilling life.

Contact Us for an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a scary topic, but when you’re empowered with knowledge and our enhanced technologies, rest assured that we can help you avoid this disease or find treatment quickly. Regular oral cancer screenings can help detect the disease in its early stages and lead to successful treatment.

Mountain View Family Dental can help you stay on top of all aspects of your oral health. Contact us to set up your oral cancer screening and take charge of your oral health today.

How Dental Clinics Help Parents Teach Children Healthy Oral Habits

Being a parent is a constant learning process. As you’re learning how to care for your children, you’re also teaching them life’s most important skills.

It will be no surprise that we think one of the most important skills kids can learn from their parents is maintaining healthy oral habits.

A child’s dental health journey goes beyond teaching them to brush their teeth and dental visits. Helping with consistent brushing, flossing, avoiding sugary foods, and habits like sucking their thumb are all very important for their long-term dental health.

Parents are the bridge between dentists and kids—we’re here to equip you with all you need to know to help your kid keep good oral hygiene.

We’ll collaborate with you to address your concerns and needs for your child’s teeth and gums. Together, we can ensure your children have stunning smiles for life.

The Importance of Early Oral Health Education

When kids learn to properly brush, floss, and care for their teeth from a young age, they're more likely to maintain these practices in adulthood.

Early education about dental health significantly reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease, lessening the need for expensive and uncomfortable treatments later. Preventative steps like fluoride treatments and sealants further protect baby teeth from decay.

Plus, introducing kids to the dentist early helps reduce dental anxiety. Kids develop a good attitude toward oral care by making pediatric dentist visits a normal, positive experience, leading to better long-term adherence to dental checkups and treatments.

Building a Routine That Becomes Second Nature

Consistency is vital in oral hygiene, and helping kids create a healthy daily routine ensures brushing and flossing become lifelong habits.

Setting specific times for their dental hygiene routine—like after breakfast and before bed—helps reinforce these healthy habits. Using a chart, timers, and reminders can help encourage kids to stick to the routine, making oral health a natural part of their day.

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-Being

Good oral health is more than a bright smile. It also plays a role in overall health. Poor oral habits have been linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Teaching children proper oral care early on can help prevent these issues later in life. Additionally, good oral health supports a strong immune system, reducing the chances of infections and other complications.

Good oral habits and health can even impact your child’s academics. Dental pain or infection can impact children's ability to concentrate, leading to missed school days and difficulties in learning. Parents can help kids stay focused, content, and healthy by practicing good oral hygiene.

By prioritizing good oral hygiene habits early on, parents and guardians can give kids the foundation they need for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles. These healthy habits first formed in childhood can prevent dental problems and contribute to overall wellness, confidence, and success in life.

How to Care for Children’s Teeth from Babyhood to Adulthood

We aim to educate parents on how to help monitor their kids’ dental health all the way through their childhood.

As kids grow, their dental needs evolve, so this helpful list shares how to adjust their dental care routines over time:

• Infancy (0–1 Year): Before teeth come in, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle to prevent tooth decay
• Toddlerhood (1–3 Years): Brush your child’s teeth twice daily using a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule the first dental visit by their first birthday
• Preschool & Early Childhood (3–6 Years): Teach children how to brush their teeth properly and supervise them until they can do it effectively. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and encourage healthy eating habits that support strong teeth
• School Age (6-12 Years): Make sure children brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily. Consider dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent cavities. Encourage drinking water over sugary beverages and reinforce the importance of regular dental check-ups
• Teen Years (13-18 Years): Remind teens that oral hygiene impacts their health and appearance. Encourage consistent brushing and flossing, especially if they have braces or aligners. Warn against tobacco, excessive sugary drinks, and poor oral habits that could lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Regular dental visits remain essential to maintaining long-term oral health

Parents can help their children develop strong teeth by prioritizing healthy oral habits at each stage.

How Our Clinic Helps Reinforce the Importance of Oral Health

While at-home care for dental issues is essential, our office plays a crucial role in reinforcing good oral hygiene habits and ensuring kids develop a positive relationship with their dental health. We support parents and children in their dental health journey through education, personalized appointments, and anxiety-reducing techniques.

One of the most valuable services we provide to our patients is education. Many parents can be unsure about the best practices to encourage healthy oral habits in their children, and children benefit from learning directly from experts.

Here are just a few ways we support your child’s oral health in our office.

Personalized Consultations for Tailored Care

We address each child’s unique oral health needs, educate parents on prevention and treatment strategies, and provide regular follow-ups to track progress and adjust care plans.

Demonstrations of Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques

Our visual aids, hands-on demonstrations, and video tutorials help parents and children learn the best oral care methods, reinforcing proper techniques during check-ups to build lifelong habits.

Alleviating Dental Anxiety in Children

We use gentle communication and clear explanations in age-appropriate language to help children feel comfortable, while distraction techniques like music, videos, and even virtual reality create a more relaxed experience. We even have a friendly therapy dog in our office to help children who might be feeling nervous.

Building Trust Between the Child and the Dental Team

Seeing the same dental professionals at each visit helps children feel more at ease, while encouragement and praise for good oral hygiene reinforce positive habits and boost confidence.

Our clinic plays a vital role in shaping lifelong healthy oral habits in children by partnering with parents and creating a welcoming environment. Through education, comfort-focused care, and trust-building, our dental professionals help children develop the skills and confidence needed for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Why Choose Our Clinic For Your Children’s Dental Needs

At Mountain View Family Dental, we make it easy for you to manage your children’s dental care needs all in one place.

• A team of experienced, talented providers
• A modern, comfortable setting in our dental clinic
• Expertise in serving all ages with routine and specialized dental care
• Immediate emergency services
• In-house orthodontic services and dental procedures—no referrals
• In-network with major insurance providers
• Loyalty program for patients without insurance

Our range of services—including family dental care, orthodontics, wisdom tooth removal, and many others—allows you to stay with one dental clinic from when your child is a toddler to adulthood. There is no need to seek other providers for braces or procedures—we can do all of it under one roof.

Contact Us To Kickstart Your Child’s Dental Care Journey

As a parent, you’ve got a lot on your shoulders—that’s why we’re here to help your child build strong oral hygiene habits.

Give us a call and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful smiles

Wisdom Teeth Removal: How To Prepare and What To Expect

Wisdom tooth removal surgery is a common rite of passage for most teens and young adults.

This surgery is carried out because wisdom teeth can cause much pain for those whose mouths cannot accommodate the teeth when fully grown in. Ideally, the teeth will be removed as early as possible, though some patients decide to wait until adulthood for the procedure.

While wisdom tooth surgery can seem like a big deal, at Mountain View Family Dental we try to make the experience as comfortable and easy as possible for you.

We know that surgery can make some patients anxious—we’re here to help you understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after your wisdom tooth removal. Knowing what to expect makes the experience feel less nerve-wracking and sets you up for success during the recovery process.

Mountain View Family Dental is home to expert staff who are well-versed in the modern processes of wisdom tooth removal and patient care.

Rest assured that you’ll have a pain-free smile in no time with our help.

What are your wisdom teeth and why do they need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth are a set of molars in the back of the mouth and are the last ones to erupt or come through the surface of your gums.

They usually erupt in your late teen years or early twenties. While they are part of normal growth and development, wisdom teeth can cause problems for some patients.

Wisdom teeth often get stuck in the gums or jawbone and don’t grow in. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth. This can result in infection, gum disease, and other health issues, which is why we remove them.

Wisdom teeth can support the back of the mouth and preserve the jawbone if they do erupt into proper positions. However, we do not generally need wisdom teeth. They may have served a purpose to our ancestors, but we no longer need them.

Some patients may not get wisdom teeth at all. Others may have the teeth but experience no issues and therefore do not need removal surgery.

The best time to carry out impacted wisdom teeth removal is in the late teens or early twenties for those who require it, based on a variety of factors:

• Immature Roots: Wisdom teeth extraction is easier because of softer, flexible tooth roots at this age
• Bone Density: Younger patients have less dense bones to work around during extraction
• Lower Risk of Complications: Younger patients are less likely to experience nerve damage, bleeding, and post-op pain
• Smoother Recovery: When an extraction goes smoothly—as it tends to with young patients—it can improve the overall outcome
• Avoid Future Issues: Early removal prevents infections, crowding, and damage to other teeth
• Maintain Oral Health: Proactive treatment lowers the need for more complex surgeries later. It also helps prevent tooth decay caused by crowded teeth that are more difficult to reach with a toothbrush

The wisdom tooth removal process doesn’t just start when you’re in the operating room. There are a few steps to take before oral surgery.

Prep for Removal

Before your surgery, we’ll have a consultation with you to talk through how the wisdom tooth removal and healing process will work and answer any questions you have.

We’ll also examine your health history and discuss any current health issues or medications. Certain conditions or drugs may require us to change our process, but we’ll make sure we accommodate your needs to keep you safe and comfortable through the whole process.

We’ll use X-ray technology to take detailed pictures of your teeth to count how many wisdom teeth you have during the consultation—patients can have up to four. These images will help us determine the best course of action for removal.

Anesthesia Options for the Removal

We’ll also talk about anesthesia. There are a few routes to choose from. You can opt for local anesthesia to numb the area and stay awake for the surgery. This is best for simple extractions and patients who are not anxious. The benefit is that recovery becomes simple and quick, but you may also feel pressure and mild discomfort during the procedure.

We also offer oral sedation in which you’ll take a pill like Valium or Halcion before the procedure to make you feel sleepy. This will allow you to relax and sleep during the procedure and may leave you feeling groggy after.

Finally, we offer IV sedation. You’ll receive medication through an IV line in your arm, which will be constantly monitored during the procedure. You’ll be in a deep sleep through the procedure, so you will not feel or remember anything. It will include a longer recovery time, but this option is great for those with anxiety.

Once we have the procedure planned and have discussed your anesthesia preferences, you will also need to plan to be off work, school, or other commitments for a few days after your surgery to recover. You’ll want someone to drive you to and from the appointment, additional care for your pets or children, and a few days off to rest.

Extraction of the Impacted Teeth

Wisdom tooth removal surgery is relatively simple in most cases. After your preferred anesthesia method is administered, the dentist or oral surgeon will open up the gum tissue surrounding the tooth, and any bone covering the tooth will be removed if necessary.

The tooth may be divided into small pieces to simplify removal. After the tooth is fully removed, the dentist will use stitches to close the wound, which eventually dissolves.

The length of the surgery depends on a few factors. It may take anywhere from 20–45 minutes, depending on your number of wisdom teeth and the complexity of the procedure. you’ll need to allow for more time to administer IV sedation if you choose this—plan to be at the office for about 90 minutes.

Our experienced oral surgeon team is adept at handling even the most complex wisdom teeth removal cases, extracting the teeth efficiently while keeping you safe and comfortable. We ensure that everything from the anesthesia to the wound closure is carried out meticulously, reducing the risk of pain and increasing the chance of optimal outcomes.

Myths About Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Many patients have heard myths about the wisdom tooth procedure that makes it more scary—we’re here to dispel those myths.

Wisdom tooth removal can be uncomfortable, but it is not a scary or life-altering experience. Your looks will not change—you may be swollen after the procedure, but this should return to normal within a few days.

Additionally, you’re never too old to get the surgery. We have solutions that can make the process easy for you too if you’re an adult who never had your wisdom teeth removed.

To sum up, most patients find the procedure easy—after all, your only job here is to relax and let us do the work.

Have a Smooth Recovery After Tooth Extraction

It is crucial that you follow steps to have a smooth and healthy recovery after oral surgery. A blood clot will form in the sockets where your wisdom teeth were. Your recovery will revolve around keeping this blood clot in place to prevent infection and inflammation.

You must avoid these actions for the first 48 hours after wisdom teeth extraction:

• Rigorous rinsing of the mouth, which can rinse away the blood clot
• Drinking through straws, as suction can dislodge the clot
• Smoking, which can damage the clot
• Disturbing the clot with your tongue or fingers
• Laying flat—elevate your head with a pillow
• Strenuous activity
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Spitting when brushing teeth

Control Bleeding

You may notice some bleeding oozing from the tooth socket on the first day after surgery. This is normal. You can bite down on damp gauze, repeating with fresh gauze every 20 minutes as needed. Swelling is also common and may last several days after surgery. You can help reduce swelling with ice packs as needed.

Pain Management

Most patients experience some discomfort after surgery. This is normal, especially when the anesthesia wears off. Take prescribed medication as directed to control discomfort. Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery while taking pain medication because they can make you drowsy.

Sutures

Your sutures will also need to be monitored in your recovery. Most sutures fall out or dissolve in about seven days. Be careful as you eat that you do not accidentally dislodge the sutures prematurely. You can still brush your teeth, but brush lightly as you get close to the surgery area, and do not spit—let the foam fall out of your mouth.

Post-Op Diet

Wisdom tooth removal surgery will also impact your diet. Here are the dos and don’ts of wisdom tooth post-op diet:

• DO stick to clear liquids like water, apple or cranberry juice, clear sodas, or ginger ale
• DO eat soft foods the first few days after surgery, including applesauce, mashed potatoes, popsicles, milkshakes, and Jell-O
• DO continue to eat non-chewy foods for one week after surgery, such as scrambled eggs, pasta, and bananas
• DO NOT eat popcorn, nuts, seeds, or chips for at least two weeks after surgery to prevent infection in the surgical site due to food debris
• DO NOT chew gum for two weeks after surgery
• DO NOT rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with warm salt water and brush your teeth gently two to three times a day

Possible Complications of Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Infection is always a possibility after any surgical procedure. This doesn’t happen in most cases of wisdom tooth surgery, but it can occur. A dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics if you’re prone to infection. Take all the antibiotics until finished, and monitor any side effects that may occur.

Signs of Infection

It’s important to know the warning signs of infections in case they do occur. Contact Mountain View Family Dental immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or, in extreme cases, go to the ER:

• Bleeding that cannot be controlled by firmly biting on gauze for about an hour
• Pain that worsens or cannot be controlled by the prescribed dose of medication—do not take higher doses
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• An increase in swelling after the first 72 hours after surgery, or swelling that makes swallowing difficult
• A foul-tasting discharge that is unrelieved by normal oral hygiene
• Fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit

Dry Socket

Dry socket is a common effect of wisdom tooth removal occurring when the blood clot breaks down prematurely. This usually happens between the third and fifth day after surgery.

It is more common in female patients, patients who smoke, or who have medical conditions that impact healing. They are more likely to occur if you are physically active after surgery.

Symptoms include severe pain that radiates to your ear. Call us right away if you have these symptoms—we can easily fix this and relieve your pain quickly!

Book Your Wisdom Tooth Consultation Today

At Mountain View Family Dental, we’ll make your wisdom tooth removal process easy and efficient so you can get back to life quickly and be free of tooth pain. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.