Wisdom teeth can erupt as we approach adulthood, and lead to major trouble for your overall oral health. To avoid these complications, we need to remove them, preferably before they even erupt! In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons talk about the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction.
The Dangers of Wisdom Teeth
As we reach our late teens and early 20s, up to four new molars could erupt in the rear of our mouth. For many, this could lead to major problems for their oral health, function, and even the appearance of the smile. These new teeth could only have room to partially erupt, causing a painful impaction. They could also upset the alignment of the teeth to cause malocclusion, which harms the health and appearance of your smile. For others, this could lead to damaged teeth or even dental infection. To avoid these problems, we like to remove the wisdom teeth before they even erupt.
Tooth Extraction
First, our team will take care to ensure your comfort during the procedure. For example, our team will administer a local anesthesia to the area where the tooth is being removed. We also have sedation, using nitrous oxide, a pill or liquid, or even IV to administer a calming agent. When you’re relaxed, we will open the area of the gums above the teeth and gently extract them with a pair or forceps, the entire process usually taking about 30 to 40 minutes. We suture the area closed. The sedation will take time to wear off, so a friend or family can bring you home.
Aftercare
We will provide detailed instructions for aftercare, as well as prescription for pain medications to ensure a comfortable and successful healing period. We will remove sutures in a follow up, and you usually only need to rest for a day or two. In that time, avoid straws, don’t poke or prod the site with your tongue, and be gentle when you brush and floss. The area needs to clot and we don’t want to interrupt this process. Eat only soft foods and avoid activity.
If you have any questions about how we address wisdom teeth, or about tooth extraction or sedation specifically, then contact our team today to learn more. Now is a great time to see us for treatment, as you can use your 2022 dental benefits before they expire at the end of December.
Do You Have Questions About Tooth Extraction?
Our team wants to help you enjoy optimal oral health with a safe, gentle, and comfortable oral surgery. If you would like to learn more about preventing painful impactions, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625.
