As we approach adulthood, as many as four new teeth could erupt in the rear of the mouth. For a few, these could pose no dangers. But for the majority of people, the wisdom teeth could mean serious problems for your oral health and smile beauty. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons explain why we remove wisdom teeth.
The Third Molars
The arrival of up to four new teeth could shift the position of your teeth, leading to misalignment that not only changes the appearance of your smile, but harms your overall oral health too. There could also be little room for these new teeth, forcing them to only partially erupt. Known as an impaction, this could be a source of serious discomfort. Their eruption is also linked to infection and discomfort. As you see, they cause a number of potentially harmful changes to your smile. But taking them out prior to eruption prevents these complications!
Planning Treatment
First, we need to gather detailed x-ray images with advanced digital imaging technology. This uses a fraction of the radiation, and provides clearer images. We can identify the position of the teeth, and ensure the extraction process avoids any sensitive nerve tissues or sinus cavities.
Sedation and Tooth Removal
After the planning process is complete, you will return to the office for the procedure. In addition to a local numbing agent, we will also use sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm, often with little to no memory of the procedure itself. We have three options, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV, and the option recommended will depend on your medical history, anxiety levels, and other factors. Once you’re comfortable, we will open the gums above these teeth to access them. Next, we remove them gently with a pair of forceps. The extraction site will then be sutured closed.
Recovery
You will return home with aftercare instructions and prescriptions for medications, which ensures you remain comfortable and that the area heals properly. You will need to take it easy for a day or two, and when you return for a follow-up visit, we will remove the sutures. The procedure only takes about 30 minutes, and the recovery usually takes a day. After that, you can resume normal activities!
If you have any questions about removing wisdom teeth, or if you would like a visit before the new school year starts, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Our team can help protect your smile with a comfortable tooth extraction. To learn more about the process of removing wisdom teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
