At the back of our mouths are up to four new molars, which are referred to as wisdom teeth. Typically, these erupt in our late teens and early 20s. For many people, their arrival could mean serious trouble for your oral health, including the beauty and function of your smile! Which is why your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons can extract them.
The Dangers of Wisdom Teeth
As we approach adulthood, anywhere between one and four wisdom teeth could erupt in the back of our mouth. Our mouth can comfortably accommodate 28 teeth, but pushing 32 in the same space means trouble. For example, you could develop dental misalignment, or a painful partial eruption known as an impaction could occur. The risk of discomfort and infection often rises. To preserve the health, function, and yes, the beauty of your smile, these teeth need to be gently and carefully extracted before they cause negative changes.
When to Remove the Third Molars
If you’re entering your 20s, or if you have a child or family member who is, then we suggest a visit for a diagnosis, in which we use digital x-rays and CBCT imaging systems to identify the position of the wisdom teeth, and whether they need to be extracted. You could also be referred to us by your general dentist or orthodontist for this procedure. Don’t worry, we will use a combination of local anesthesia and sedation to ensure your experience is a calm and comfortable one, even if you have dental anxiety.
Extraction and Recovery
Once we’re sure you’re comfortable and relaxed, we will gently open the gums above the third molars so we can gently extract them with a pair of forceps. The process doesn’t take a very long time, and a friend or family member can bring you home afterward. We will provide detailed instructions to ensure your healing period is a quick and effective one, and most people return to normal activities after only one to two days of rest. We will schedule a follow-up to remove sutures and monitor your smile. If you have any questions about how we address an issue like third molars, or about our approach to the tooth extraction process, then contact our team today. We want to help safeguard your smile, so you start this exciting new stage of your life with a healthy, attractive, and functional smile.
Make Your Appointment Soon!
Our team is ready to protect your smile using a gentle and safe tooth extraction procedure, so you avoid major oral health complications and continue to smile with confidence. If you would like to learn more about the risks of wisdom teeth, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625.
