Are Wisdom Teeth A Problem For Your Smile?

rohnert park wisdom teethWhen we approach our adult years, this could mean a major development in your smile. Up to four new molars could arrive in the rear of their mouth. Without treatment to prevent these eruptions, this could alter the appearance and function of your smile. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons talk about addressing wisdom teeth.

The Dangers of Your Third Molars

Over time, our smiles have evolved to comfortably accommodate 28 teeth. While at one time the wisdom teeth were necessary, they don’t serve a purpose now and in fact, their arrival could force 32 teeth in the same space, a complication linked to major issues. For example, the third molars could only partially erupt, known as an impaction. They could damage nearby teeth, leading to decay and infection. Dental misalignment could develop as they arrive, changing the appearance of the smile and increasing the risk of everything from tooth decay and gum disease to TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). To protect the health and beauty of your smile or your child’s smile, we need to remove these teeth, preferably before they even erupt!

Protecting Smiles with Tooth Extraction

We will plan the treatment with digital x-ray imagery, which enables us to gather detailed images of what’s beneath the gums in incredible detail, while using a fraction of the radiation. This allows us to identify the position of these teeth and plan the treatment in such a way as to avoid sinus cavities and nerve tissues. We will open the gums above the teeth to reach and remove these teeth. Using a pair of forceps, we will gently extract them from your smile. We then suture the area closed and a friend or family member can bring you home. We will provide detained aftercare instructions, and remove any sutures in follow-up visits. Most people return to normal cavities after a day of rest!

Ensuring Your Comfort

We don’t want your anxiety to stand between you and this necessary procedure. Which is why we offer treatments to help you feel calm and relaxed. In addition to a local numbing agent, we have sedation dentistry. We administer nitrous oxide, or possibly oral sedation or even IV, to help you enter a calm and relaxed state, with little to no memory of the procedure. A trained anesthesiologist will be on hand the entire time as well. If you have any questions, then give us a call today!

Do You Have Questions About Extracting Teeth?

Our team wants to help preserve the stability, health, and appearance of your smile. If you would like to learn more about our approach to a comfortable oral surgery experience, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625.