A set of third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, could make themselves known as a person reaches adulthood, usually in the late teens and early 20s. As we will explain, these can cause serious trouble for the function, health, and even the overall appearance of your smile. Your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons explain why they must often be removed before they erupt!
Your Third Molars
Prior to the arrival of these additional molars, your smile comfortably accommodates 28 teeth. But adding an additional four teeth to this space could cause serious trouble for your smile. These tend to arrive as we reach adulthood, hence the name wisdom teeth. In some cases, only one or two could erupt, or all four could. For some, these could pose little risk to the smile, but for the majority of people they could mean serious trouble! If you or a loved one is in their late teens or early 20s, consider scheduling an appointment so we can assess the ruse to your smile and see if you need extraction.
The Potential Impact on Your Smile
For some, dental misalignment could develop as teeth are pushed for their normal position. This not only impacts smile beauty, but could also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The changes to your bite balance from the arrival of these third molars could also cause painful disorders like TMD or even bruxism (teeth grinding). The wisdom teeth could also only partially erupt, also known as an impaction, which could damage nearby teeth and lead to infection and discomfort. To preserve the health, beauty, and function of your smile, we need to take these additional teeth out completely.
Extraction and Recovery
We will start by taking detail digital x-rays and panoramic images, so we can identify the exact position of these teeth. We then plan treatment to remove them and avoid nerve tissues and sinus cavities in the process. Our team will administer a local numbing agent before the dental extraction to help you feel relaxed and comfortable, with little to no memory of the procedure at all. When you’re comfortable, we will open the gums above the third molars to access and remove them with a pair of forceps. The process could take as little as 30 minutes in some cases. We will suture the site closed and provide detailed instructions to facilitate a complication free healing process, and the sutures will be removed in a follow-up visit.
Let’s Tackle Your Third Molars Today
A safe and gentle tooth extraction could help safeguard your smile. If you would like to learn more about removing these teeth before they endanger your smile, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625.
