Wisdom teeth, the extra molars in the back of your mouth that erupt in early adulthood, could cause serious problems for your smile. The complications of eruption, or an impaction, could even lead to issues like tooth loss! In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons discuss how and why we extract these teeth.
The Third Molars
As we reach our late teens or early 20s, up to four additional molars could erupt in the very rear of our mouth. These molars, often referred to as wisdom teeth or third molars, could cause serious complications for our smile. For example, many could become partially or completed impacted. Partially means some of the tooth structure has erupted, but the rest are stuck in place. Completely impacted means no part of the tooth has become visible. An impaction can lead to a host of serious complications for the health and stability of your smile!
The Dangers of Leaving Them in Place
An impacted wisdom tooth could damage surrounding teeth, or even lead to infection or the onset of misalignment. Even if your wisdom teeth erupt and don’t cause discomfort, they could still lead to impactions that make thorough brushing and flossing difficult, and increases the risk of infection, disease, or other complications down the road. We urge patients to consider having them removed completely!
The Consultation and Extraction Process
We start with an exam using advanced CT technology, so we can identify the third molars and assess when they will likely erupt. We then plan the extraction process. When you come in for the procedure, we will use dental sedation to ensure you enter a calm, relaxed state. We then gently open the area of the gums above the teeth and extract them carefully. We suture the extraction site closed, and send you home with prescribed medications and detailed aftercare instructions. During follow up visits, we will remove the sutures and make sure everything is healing as it should. The procedure is short, comfortable, and helps protect the health and beauty of your smile from serious complications down the road. Now that 2021 has started, why not begin the year by addressing these concerns before they out your smile at risk? If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact our team today! We look forward to hearing from you.
Do You Have Questions About Extracting Teeth?
Our team wants to help protect the health and stability of your smile with oral surgery, including tooth removal with a safe and comfortable dental extraction. To learn more about the tooth removal process, or to schedule a consultation, call Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
