Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery Blog

Are you a regular coffee fiend? Are you unable to start your day without a large cup (or pot) of Joe? If so, you aren’t alone; coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages on the planet, after all! But are you still able to enjoy your favorite drink if you’re scheduled for an upcoming tooth extraction? Here’s why your dentist thinks you should hold off on doing so for a bit, along with some better alternatives and tips for promoting a smooth recovery.

If your dentist has recently informed you that you’re going to need a tooth extracted, you might have a million different questions racing through your mind! This can understandably lead to some anxiety and fear concerning the upcoming procedure; however, you have absolutely nothing to worry about, as your dentist has your smile’s best interest in mind! Here are some helpful tips for overcoming your fear of tooth extractions so that you can feel totally comfortable about the process.

Wisdom teeth are often unable to erupt properly due to a lack of space in the mouth. As a result, they can become impacted, meaning they’re partially or fully trapped under the gums. An impacted wisdom tooth needs to be removed quickly before it can lead to adverse health effects. But how can you tell if a wisdom tooth is impacted? Here are 5 possible warning signs to look for.

Your smile is easily one of your most noticeable features—especially if your pearly whites are healthy, bright, and uniform! But not all of your teeth look exactly the same or serve similar functions: the sharper teeth towards the front of your mouth are meant for biting and tearing into food, while your flatter teeth near the back grind it all down. However, most people have a third set of molars, referred to as wisdom teeth; but these teeth are often extracted during early adulthood. Keep reading to learn a little more about these teeth, why we have them, and why they sometimes need to come out.

Are you getting your wisdom teeth pulled or need to remove a decayed or infected tooth? The days immediately following a tooth extraction are a critical period for the healing process. If you’re not careful, you could wind up with a painful case of dry socket. To avoid this unpleasant fate, follow these five essential tips from a dentist.

Over 10 million teeth are removed each year, according to the American Public Health Association. However, despite how common tooth extractions are, there are still many misconceptions about the procedure. Do you suspect you may have a decayed or damaged tooth or need to pull your wisdom teeth? Here is the truth behind five common myths about tooth extractions.

When you have a tooth extracted, you’ll probably want nothing more than to just go home and relax. You may even think about having a drink to help yourself unwind. But is that really a good idea? Your oral surgeon will give you a list of things you’ll need to avoid after having your tooth removed; could alcohol be on that list? Here’s what you need to know before your appointment.

The wisdom teeth are the “extra” set of pearly whites in the back of the jaw that may or may not cause you problems. Not everyone has wisdom teeth, but for the lucky majority who do, these pesky teeth will usually need to come out. Most people have them extracted between ages 18-25 or so. There is usually not enough room for the crowns to poke through the gums, which can result in crowding, infection, and some amount of discomfort if they are not removed. 

If you’re suffering from a major toothache, you might be starting to worry about your outlook. But thanks to modern dentistry, there are many existing solutions that can alleviate your pain and discomfort while also restoring your smile to a healthier state! Here is a closer look at root canal therapy and tooth extractions, two treatment options that patients sometimes turn towards to address their painful oral issues.

The thought of having a tooth extracted is unsettling for many people—but you should know that modern dentistry often emphasizes a conservative approach, meaning that your dentist will only perform a tooth extraction if it’s absolutely necessary. That said, having a tooth pulled isn’t always a bad thing! Although you must say goodbye to one of your pearly whites, there are actually many benefits to this procedure that ultimately outweigh the downsides. Here are four of the surprising benefits of having a tooth extracted.