Wisdom teeth, also referred to as the third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties. While some young adults have trouble-free wisdom teeth, others experience complications impacting their oral health. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you are in good hands. Our skilled and experienced dentists at Coleman Advanced Dentistry will ensure you have a comfortable, stress-free experience.
Why Would You Need to Have Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Our dentists may recommend wisdom tooth removal for the following reasons:
Tooth Impaction: Most people do not have adequate space in their jaws to accommodate the new set of molars. As they emerge, wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jaw. An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to infection and cause considerable pain and discomfort. In addition, cysts can form alongside the new molars, damaging the jawbone and affecting the health of the neighboring teeth.
Partial Eruption: Wisdom teeth often only partially emerge from the gum line, leaving them vulnerable to chronic dental pain that often spreads to the jaw, throat, ear, and side of the face. Partially erupted third molars are prone to infection, with serious impacts on your oral and overall health. They can also place pressure on the neighboring teeth, leading to a domino effect that results in tooth misalignment.
Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth eruption can exert pressure on the nearby teeth, causing them to shift out of place. That can cause crowding and alignment issues or unravel years of orthodontic treatment, impacting your smile’s health, function, and overall appearance. Extracting problematic wisdom teeth can address teeth crowding concerns allowing you to enjoy a healthy, straight smile.
Decay and Gum Disease: Being so far in the back of the mouth, it’s often challenging to brush and floss your wisdom teeth properly, leaving them susceptible to decay and gum disease. Extracting problematic wisdom teeth can prevent the spread of decay and reduce the risk of gum infection or inflammation in the surrounding areas.
Sinus Problems: The mouth and the nose are intricately connected. In some cases, the roots of the upper wisdom teeth grow close to the sinuses, causing pain, pressure, and congestion. Extracting these problematic teeth can alleviate these symptoms and prevent further complications.
Preventing Future Complications: In some cases, we may recommend removing wisdom teeth even if you don’t have any symptoms. If we determine that they may cause future problems, removing them proactively will prevent potential infection, decay, and harm to your remaining teeth.
What Can You Expect?
At Coleman Advanced Dentistry, we pride ourselves on offering fully customized care tailored to your unique needs. In general, the following is what you can expect with the wisdom tooth extraction process:
Initial Consultation
We will start by evaluating your teeth and ask about your health history and any current medications. We will also take digital dental x-rays and 3D images to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. We will use that information to map out your treatment plan, taking into account your unique needs.
During your initial consultation, we will explain the procedure and what you can expect. We are happy to answer any questions and address your concerns. If you are anxious about the procedure, let us know. We offer sedation dentistry options, as needed, to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable while receiving outstanding care.
Before the Procedure
On the day of your oral surgery, our dedicated team will welcome you and make sure you are comfortable. We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. We may also administer dental sedation, as needed, to ensure you have a stress-free experience.
During the Procedure
The procedure will depend on the condition of your wisdom tooth. If it is impacted, we may make a small incision to access it. We may also need to remove a small piece of the bone covering the tooth. If required, we may cut the tooth into smaller sections to make it easier to extract the tooth. You may feel some pressure right before the tooth is removed, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. The final step of the procedure is to close the wound with stitches to promote healing.
After the Procedure
After your procedure, we will place a gauze for you to bite down to help a clot form in the extracted tooth’s socket. We will monitor you during recovery to ensure you are cleared to go home. You may feel tired and groggy after the procedure, so you’ll need to rest for the remainder of the day.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, the healing process begins. Make sure to follow our post-operative instructions to promote healing. We will prescribe pain medication for use as needed for your comfort.
We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a few days as the area heals. For the first few days, use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Avoid using a straw, rinsing vigorously, spitting forcefully, or smoking for at least 48 hours because you do not want to accidentally dislodge the blood clot forming in the socket. Otherwise, you may develop a painful condition called dry socket.
After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean and alleviate soreness. If you have increased pain or swelling or have any other concerns, make sure to contact our office for guidance.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Near Me in Vista, CA
If you would like to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction and to determine if that is your best option, contact Coleman Advanced Dentistry today. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you can always count on our dedicated team for outstanding, gentle care. Call us at 760-726-0770 to schedule your appointment today!
