These days it seems like having wisdom teeth extracted is practically a rite of passage for many young adults. This surgery typically carries low risks but can be very rewarding, because extracting hard-to-clean wisdom teeth early can prevent painful problems later on. At California Dental Group, our team of expert dentists and oral surgeons will work together to determine if and when wisdom tooth extraction may be the right choice for you, and then provide the best possible care in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extractions are commonly performed to prevent or address the following symptoms:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Decayed wisdom teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Partially impacted wisdom teeth
- Gum infection or inflammation
- Bone damage
- Pain associated with the above
Extracting Other Teeth
While wisdom teeth are probably the most commonly extracted teeth, any tooth that is affected by disease, decay, or trauma may be a candidate for extraction. Before recommending extraction, we will investigate all possible avenues for saving your tooth, perhaps with a procedure like a root canal or with a crown. However, if it is not possible to keep your natural tooth the next best thing is to have an extraction done by the experts at California Dental Group.
Get Expert Care During and After Your Extraction
At California Dental Group, your comfort and satisfaction is our priority. We will make sure you are properly anesthetized during the extraction, and we’ll also provide you with detailed care instructions to help speed recovery at home. We won’t just leave you with a gap in your smile after an extraction either—in cases other than wisdom teeth extraction, our expert restorative dentists will offer you choices for tooth replacement such as bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how extraction could help you reduce dental pain and improve your oral health.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions FAQs
What are wisdom teeth?
Answer: Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that generally appear in your late teens or early twenties.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Answer: Wisdom teeth often need to be extracted if they are impacted (unable to fully erupt), misaligned, or causing crowding, pain, or infection.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
Answer: You should not feel pain during the extraction since the procedure is done under local or general anesthesia. You may experience some discomfort and swelling afterward, which can be managed with pain medication.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Answer: Recovery normally takes a few days to a week to heal. During this time, you may come across swelling, discomfort, and difficulty eating certain foods. It is essential to follow post-op care instructions to make sure you are healing properly.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Answer: The foods that are recommended to eat after having your wisdom teeth removed are soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Try refraining from hard, spicy, or crunchy foods that may irritate the surgical site.
What are the risks of not removing wisdom teeth?
Answer: Not treating problematic wisdom teeth can lead to infection, cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, and increased risk of gum disease.
How long is the procedure?
Answer: The procedure generally takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number and condition of the wisdom teeth being extracted.
