Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, could potentially cause major problems for your smile. To help safeguard your smile and prevent painful impactions and other complications, we want to remove these teeth before they erupt. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons talk about wisdom tooth extraction.
The Dangers Offered By Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth sit at the rear of the mouth, and only erupt in our late teens and early 20s. For some, only one or two may erupt, but for others all four could arrive. The fact is, there simply isn’t enough space for them in your smile. Which means they cause misalignment, crowding your teeth and causing complications for your oral health. They could also cause painful partial eruptions, known as impactions, as well as infections and even damaged teeth. Essentially, they can cause trouble for the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Which is why whenever possible, we want to remove them before they arrive.
Tooth Extraction
First, we will use panoramic digital x-rays to pinpoint the position of the teeth, and to assess the threats they pose. We then plan the extraction process to avoid sinus cavities and nerve tissues. When we’re ready, we will administer a local anesthesia to the area, and also dental sedation to help you enter a calm and relaxed state, with no memory of the procedure afterward. Next, we will open the gums above them to reach the teeth and remove them with a pair of forceps. Once we do, we will suture the site closed. The sedation takes time to wear off, so a friend or family member will need to bring you home.
What Happens Next?
At home, you will rest for the day and eat only soft foods. Don’t poke the site with your tongue, and avoid straw use. The next day, you can usually return to normal activities and we can remove sutures in a follow-up visit. Be sure you take any prescribed medications as instructed, and take care when you brush and floss. While wisdom teeth don’t need to be replaced, if you have a tooth removed due to issues like tooth decay, injury, or disease, we could discuss replacement options with durable and lifelike dental implants. If you have any questions about how we address wisdom teeth and protect the smile, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About General Tooth Extraction?
Our team doesn’t want to see your smile change in negative ways. If you would like to learn more about how we perform a tooth extraction, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625. When possible, we want to help you and your family enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles.
