Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Dentist
If you’ve been told that your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, you might be feeling nervous. But thanks to modern surgical techniques and anesthetics, there’s nothing to fear. At Brite Smile Dental, with two locations in San Diego, including the Sorrento Valley area, the team regularly performs wisdom tooth extractions on both adults and teens. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or problems, and looking for wisdom teeth removal dentist near me make an appointment by calling or clicking today.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to come in. They’re located at the very back of your mouth and typically break through your gum line sometime between the ages of 17-21. Some people have four wisdom teeth, some people have two or three, and others have none at all.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be extracted?
Not necessarily. In some instances, wisdom teeth come in fully aligned and present no obvious problems. However, because wisdom teeth come in later than all of your other teeth, they’re more likely to become impacted. In addition, due to their location, wisdom teeth are harder to brush and floss. After performing an oral exam and series of panoramic X-rays, your dentist can determine whether or not you can benefit from an extraction.
Why would my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Even if your wisdom teeth feel fine, your Brite Smile Dental provider might recommend extractions based on the results of your X-rays. Some common problems caused by wisdom teeth include:
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Jaw pain
- Tender gums
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can also cause cysts or damage to your jaw. If your dentist recommends an extraction, it’s important to take their advice.
What is the process for having my wisdom teeth extracted?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a type of oral surgery and requires at least two appointments.
At your initial consultation, your dentist explains the extraction process and takes time to answer any questions you may have. During your initial consultation, it’s also important to let your dentist know about any supplements and over-the-counter or prescription medications you’re taking. You should also let them know if you have a chronic health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure, as these factors may complicate treatment.
On the day of your extraction, you may be sedated, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your dentist carefully extracts your wisdom teeth using a pair of forceps. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist makes a series of surgical incisions along your gums. After revealing your impacted teeth, your dentist gently rocks them back and forth to release the ligaments holding them in place.
After extracting your wisdom teeth, your provider uses gauze pads to soak up any excess blood and carefully stitches up your incisions. Before you leave, your dentist also provides you with a list of recovery instructions and prescribes both pain medication and antibiotics. Follow your dentist’s instructions accordingly and eat only soft foods like yogurt, apple sauce, and soup for the first 48 hours. You’ll feel back to normal in no time.
If your wisdom teeth are starting to come in, or they’re causing you problems, make an appointment with Texas wisdom teeth dental implants at Brite Smile Dental by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.