Dr. Matthew Walton has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering a dentist for your tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removals.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Walton has averaged 90 continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout his career; the minimum requirements for the state of Indiana are 20 continuing education credit hours per licensing period!
Located just 15 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis with free parking.
Dr. Matthew Walton, with a high-tech dental office located in Greenwood, has been serving tooth extraction and wisdom tooth removal patients from Indianapolis Metro, Southern Indiana & Central Indiana since 2006.
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Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.
Simple Tooth Extraction
Video 01:00 | Video demonstrating a simple tooth extraction. If your tooth is badly decayed and can’t be saved, your dentist may recommend a common surgical procedure called a tooth extraction. Follow these simple guidelines after leaving the dentist’s office to ensure that your mouth is back to normal in no time.
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Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure.
Photo of a dental x-ray highlighting an impacted wisdom tooth for removal.
Extraction Process
The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before being removed. Depending on the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close the area. Soluble sutures are the best option, which will dissolve on their own.
Video 01:01 | While healthy wisdom teeth are an asset to your mouth, wisdom teeth that don’t fully erupt or that grow in sideways can lead to tooth decay, infection or pain. Discover what your dentist can do to help you decide whether your wisdom teeth should be removed.
Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth
Video 01:51 | With age comes wisdom – and wisdom teeth! Learn more about what to expect when this third set of molars come through in your late teens.
Preventing and Treating Dry Socket
Video 01:00 | Dry Socket results from the loss of the bloodclot from the extraction site. If you have dry socket, your dentist will recommend various treatments to promote healing and ease discomfort.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow-up. After the surgery, you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down.
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Featured Testimonial
“They were wonderful. During my wisdom teeth removal, and after. They had so much support and kept assuring me I was okay after the removal. I highly recommend them! Never had a dentist be so supportive as they are.”
Caitlin W. – Read more reviews
Before & After Photos
Patient Cases
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