Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Grover Beach, CA
Do you Have to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars located in the back of your mouth.
They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21.
When they come through correctly, health wisdom teeth can help you chew. It is normal to feel some discomfort when they appear.
If you have pain, it is recommended to have a dental evaluation. At WhiteCrest Smart Dentistry, we will work with you to determine the best course of treatment according to your unique situation.
Some of the most common reasons to have teeth extracted include:
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There is not enough room. Your jaw isn’t big enough for an extra set of molars.
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They are impacted and could cause jaw damage. Wisdom teeth can be trapped in your jawbone or under your gums, which could be painful. An impacted tooth can form a cyst on or near it. A Cyst could damage the roots of nearby teeth of destroy the bone.
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They come in at the wrong angle. When coming sideways, they could press against the other teeth.
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Cavities or gum disease. Tissue around the area can swell and may be hard to clean. Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form.
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Avoid misalignment or as part of orthodontic treatment or other dental care. Wisdom teeth can cause problems with crowding of other teeth.
Reasons to have wisdom teeth extracted
Erosion Cavity: when the Wisdom tooth hits the neighboring molar, it can cause infection.
Cysts: can destroy the bone and damage other teeth.
Crowding: occurs when the Wisdom tooth pushes hard against other teeth.
Infection: when an impacted wisdom tooth pushes through the gum, an infection can form around the top of the tooth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Procedure
A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure.
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We may offer nitrous oxide to relax you.
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The dentist will numb the area of the mouth using local anesthesia or sedation.
During wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist:
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Makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.
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Removes bone that blocks access to the tooth root.
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Divides the tooth into sections if it’s easier to remove in pieces.
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Removes the tooth.
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Cleans the site of the removed tooth of any debris left from the tooth or bone.
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Stitches the wound, though this isn’t always necessary.
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Places gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to help a blood clot form.
Signs & Symptoms
Some common signs include:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Tenderness
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Infection
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Cysts
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Gum disease
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Damage to nearby teeth
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Tooth decay
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Recovery Tips
During the first 24 hours
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop the bleeding, reduce the pain, and speed healing. To protect the clot and avoid a painful dry socket we recommend:
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Biting on a gauze pad firmly for 30-60 minutes. Some oozing is normal.
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Don’t spit.
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Don’t suck candies or use a straw.
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Don’t rinse your mouth, don’t brush or floss close to the site.
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Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
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Don’t sneeze or cough, so have allergy medication on hand if necessary.
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Limit yourself to calm activities
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Elevate your head with pillows when you lie down to reduce bleeding.
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Avoid spicy food, don’t drink hot, carbonated or alcoholic drinks.
To control discomfort, you can take pain medication before the effects of anesthesia have worn off or as recommended.
To control swelling, use an ice bag over the area, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Once the numbness has worn off completely, drink lots of fluids and eat only soft foods, chewing on the opposite side.
After the first 24 hours
Begin to eat normally if it is already comfortable for you.
Resume brushing and flossing, but clean carefully around the site for about 7 days.
If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them as indicated.
Reduce soreness by applying moist heat.
Reduce swelling by rinsing your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Mix about one teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of warm water. Rinse two to three times a day during one week.
During the first 4 hours, to control swelling, use an ice bag over the area, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
After the first 24 hours, reduce swelling by rinsing your mouth very gently with warm salt water.