When your teen reaches adulthood, the wisdom teeth could soon erupt. Also known as third molars, these new teeth could lead to major problems with the function and beauty of the smile, and could compromise overall oral health too. Which is why your Santa Rosa , CA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons could recommend extracting wisdom teeth!
The Impact of Receiving Your Wisdom Teeth
Our smiles have changed over the past several millennia. At one time, approaching adulthood meant the arrival of your wisdom teeth, a set of third molars that was crucial for our diets. However, we no longer need these teeth and their arrival actually alerts the smile in a series of negative ways. For example, this could cause dental misalignment, as the smile can no longer accommodate these extra teeth. A partial eruption known as an impaction could arrive, and teeth could even become damaged or infected. Taking out these teeth will help preserve the health, function, and even the beauty of your smile!
Removal with a Tooth Extraction
How do we extract these teeth to preserve your smile? When a patient approaches adulthood, their orthodontist or general dentist may refer them to us. But if you or a member of your family is entering their 20s, you could schedule an appointment. We will carefully examine the smile with panoramic digital x-rays and CBCT technology, so we can obtain clear images on the smile and identify the positions of the third molars. We then plan the treatment. The day of, we will administer a local anesthetic and dental sedation to ensure you’re calm and comfortable. You will have little to no memory of the procedure at all. We then open the gums above the teeth and gently remove them with forceps. We then suture the area closed and a friend or family member will bring you home.
Aftercare
You will return home with prescribed medications and detailed aftercare instructions. You will need to rest for the first day or two, and eat soft foods in that time. Take any medications as prescribed, and we’ll make sure everything is healing properly with a follow-up visit. Most people return to normal activities after only a day or two of rest. If you have any questions about the dangers of third molars, or about how we address wisdom teeth and protect your smile, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile!
Interested in Addressing Your Teen’s Third Molars?
Our team wants to help protect smiles by preventing painful impactions and dental misalignment. If you would like to learn more about our approach to oral surgery, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625.
