In modern society, it is almost a rite of passage to have a wisdom tooth extraction as a young adult. Wisdom teeth, the final, permanent molars located in the very back of the mouth, can actually cause problems for many patients if they are not removed. Fortunately, in most cases, the procedure is minimally invasive and does not require extensive healing time.
Wisdom teeth that are unable to erupt are referred to as “impacted.” Impacted teeth can lead to a host of dental problems, including infection, pain at the site of the impaction, bleeding gums, jaw pain, and difficulty opening the mouth. To avoid these potential issues, many dental professionals prefer to take out these molars even if they are not currently causing problems for the patient in question. Wisdom teeth can additionally crowd the other teeth and even cause shifting in a patient’s formerly perfect smile.
A dentist can explain to the patient the need for having wisdom teeth extracted. Perhaps the teeth are impacted, or maybe the dentist wants to prevent future problems in a patient with a small mouth by removing the wisdom teeth while the patient is still an adolescent, before the bones harden, which would make the procedure more difficult for a patient as an older adult.
The dental professional begins by going over the plan for extraction. For most patients, this procedure is no different than having any other tooth pulled. The exception is that these large molars sit in the very back of the mouth, which requires the patient to sit in an uncomfortable position for a while.
For wisdom teeth that have already erupted from the gums, the dental professional simply rocks the teeth from side to side and pulls gently with specialized equipment. This is similar to removing any other tooth. The patient may feel some pressure when the tooth is being removed. If the teeth have not yet erupted, the dentist may make a small slit in the gum in order to access the tooth underneath the gum.
Patients will receive instructions to avoid several activities after the removal, such as swishing with liquids, smoking, and drinking hot beverages. Every patient’s plan of care is slightly different due to unique factors in their cases. For instance, if a patient received stitches after having an incision to extract an impacted tooth, caution may be needed in eating and drinking specific foods for a longer period of time.
For most healthy patients, wisdom tooth extraction is a common, minimally invasive procedure that results in few complications and prevents future dental problems. If you still have wisdom teeth as an adult, it is not too late to investigate whether extraction would be beneficial. Schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lajolladentalgroup.com or call La Jolla Dental Group at (858) 257-4085 for an appointment in our La Jolla office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Tooth Extraction in La Jolla, CA.
A cosmetic dental service evaluation is vital in achieving your dream smile. However, many believe it is the same as the evaluation they receive during their regular dental checkups; it is not. This evaluation will allow you to discuss your dental concerns and overall goals with the dentist and receive expert guidance on the various…
Professionals who perform cosmetic dental services know that a confident smile is a universal symbol of health and happiness. Unfortunately, many people experience teeth discoloration and staining over time. This is where teeth whitening, a widely sought-after cosmetic dental service, can help. This review discusses teeth whitening, including the different methods, benefits, and processes and…
There are many benefits to removable partial dentures instead of alternative treatment solutions (i.e., implant-supported bridges). Understanding the advantages of partial dentures can help you make the most informed choice possible about the best way to replace your missing teeth. Removable partial dentures are a form of teeth replacement for a section of missing teeth. They…
Cosmetic dental services have a collection of treatments that can target specific dental issues. Your dentist can assess the issue or issues first. Recommending procedures like dental bonding can give a fast and effective solution. Here are the details on how dental bonding can serve as one of the quickest, most effective cosmetic dental services…