Wisdom teeth are typically the last to erupt within the mouth. Some of us are unaffected by their presence, while others develop painful conditions that require their immediate extraction.
Who Can Benefit From Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is an extremely common outpatient procedure. In most cases, it is best to remove wisdom teeth between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five.
You may benefit from wisdom tooth extraction if your teeth:
- Have erupted in an abnormal position
- Are impacted below the gum line
- Have developed an infection
- Have caused jaw misalignment
After an oral and radiographic exam, we can determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
What to Expect During Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is generally performed under sedation with a local anesthetic. We will begin by removing the gum tissue surrounding your wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, an incision will be made into the gum tissue to access the tooth. A high-speed hand piece is sometimes necessary to drill through bone that may be covering impacted wisdom teeth.
Once your wisdom teeth are visible, we will gently loosen each tooth from its socket, using specialized tools. In some cases, your teeth will need to be extracted in small sections to minimize the amount of bone that needs to be removed. Following removal, dissolvable sutures may be used to close incisions.
After Your Surgery
For the first several days following surgery, you may experience some pain and facial swelling. Pain medication may be used to alleviate your discomfort. Normal dental hygiene routines can be resumed right away, but it is important to avoid brushing the treatment area. Most patients are able to participate in normal activities within a few days, but complete healing may take several months.
Understanding the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal
All surgical procedures present a degree of risk and uncertainty. These risks can be discussed in-depth during your consultation. Potential adverse events include bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, dry socket and nerve damage.
If You're Ready to Take the Next Step
Contact Surgical Arts of Inland Empire to schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth removal. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to review photos and discuss details such as insurance coverage and expected recovery time.