Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Alhambra, CA
Rid Yourself of Unneeded Teeth
We as humans are evolving past the need for wisdom teeth. Most of us do not seem to have enough room in the jaw for a third set of molars, which causes them to become stuck while erupting, or impacted. At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, patients can get the care they need without having to leave the comfort of their dental home. If you or your teen are experiencing issues related the wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss wisdom tooth extractions in Alhambra, CA.
Why Choose Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Dental Insurance Welcome
- In-House Oral Surgeon
- Dental Savings Plan
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth – two on the top and two on the bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were once especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed additional chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out over time, wisdom teeth could step in and act as replacement teeth as well. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are not necessarily a problem. However, there are a number of issues that can arise from impacted wisdom teeth. When left untreated, impactive wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of problems. This includes:
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth - Wisdom teeth can put a lot of pressure on the teeth in front of them, which can cause lasting damage. A tooth directly in front of a wisdom tooth can also start to break down, resulting in that tooth needing to be removed as well.
- Infection of Surrounding Tissue - An infection can develop in the tooth, especially if the wisdom tooth breaks through the gums and lets the bacteria enter deeper into the jaw.
- Tooth Decay - Since these teeth are located in the very back of the jaw, they can be extremely difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. So they are easy to succumb to decay and can be impossible to repair.
- Gum Disease - Wisdom teeth can make it difficult to maintain good dental hygiene, and soon gum disease develops. Gum disease around the wisdom teeth can easily spread to other teeth, putting them at risk.
- Alignment Issues - By pushing the surrounding teeth around, wisdom teeth can cause alignment issues.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Once we have examined a patient and determined that their wisdom teeth need to come out, the procedure starts with us thoroughly numbing their mouth. To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, dental forceps and an elevator will be used. However, if the wisdom teeth have to be removed before they have fully erupted, we have to make a small incision in the nearby gum tissue before we can extract the teeth themselves. After doing so and suturing the treatment area(s) closed, most patients are able to fully recover and feel completely normal in less than a week.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your procedure, it’s common to experience some bleeding, swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but this should subside over the next few days. During this time, it’s especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction site. Stick to softer foods and don’t use a straw when you drink. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call. This way, we can give you specific guidance to meet your needs.