Having wisdom teeth removed is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. In fact, you probably have a plethora of friends and acquaintances who have had them extracted. Because of this, if you need to have the procedure done, you’ve likely had lots of individuals tell your their experiences and give you advice. This is all well and good, but we are here to give you some professional insights. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons discuss what you need to know about wisdom teeth extraction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
They are your third molars, and they usually begin coming in between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. There are four in total —two on the top and two on the bottom — and they are found at the very back of your mouth. They will hopefully appear without any problems, and you won’t have to deal with them. That said, for many individuals, they might be affected by the crowding of other molars, they could come in at an angle, or they might be in the wrong position. If any of these outcomes occur, your dentist or oral surgeon will likely suggest extraction.
When Do You Need Them Removed?
You will likely need your wisdom teeth removed if they are impacted or are affected by overcrowding. Additionally, your oral surgeon or dentist will look at other issues when deciding if removal is necessary. They will assess if the presence of these molars will affect the overall health of your mouth, and they will look for infection in partially erupted teeth. Finally, they will determine if the positioning of these teeth will cause food to get trapped which can promote bacterial growth. Any pain you might experience is another important factor that can determine if extraction is necessary.
What You Can Expect From The Procedure
Before your wisdom teeth are removed, your oral surgeon will take several factors into account. They will assess the condition of the third molars, how many need to be extracted, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia required, and the overall state of your other teeth. Once all of this has been figured out, your oral surgeon will set your appointment.
On the day of your procedure, you will receive either local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the specific needs determined by your doctor. You will not feel any pain during the extraction. After the procedure, your oral surgeon will send you home to rest. You will only be able to eat soft foods for a few days, so take that into account while planning. Overall, your oral surgeon will provide you with helpful instructions to ensure the proper care of your mouth; make sure you follow their directions.
Contact Us To Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To learn more about our process for removing wisdom teeth, or if you have any additional questions, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.