Wisdom Teeth Removal at Primary Dental Care

One of the most common forms of oral surgery involves the extraction of wisdom teeth. Often, when a person is in their teens and their wisdom teeth grow in, the jaw cannot accommodate them. If that is the case, then those teeth, which are located furthest back in the jaw, must be removed.

Third Molars

Your third molars, which are also known as your wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to break through. Located in the back of your jaw, these teeth are often extracted. Although your third molars can be useful, they can also create various problems. Your family dentist or an oral surgeon may perform the removal of your wisdom teeth.

Reasons for Extraction

There are various reasons as to why people have their wisdom teeth extracted. Often, there is simply not enough room in your mouth and the teeth become fully impacted or partially impacted. Also, these teeth may be extracted due to the need to preserve the effects of orthodontic work that is being done. Finally, sometimes a dentist will recommend that wisdom teeth are removed if they will provide little service to the user and run the risk of becoming decayed or diseased.

When wisdom teeth are impacted swelling, pain, and infection can ensue. Also, these impacted teeth can put pressure on surrounding teeth and bone, causing damage to them. Cysts and tumors can also occur which can cause problems with your teeth, gum, and jawbone. Thus, it is essential that problematic wisdom teeth be dealt with in an expedient and timely manner.

Prior to Extraction

Prior to extraction, your dentists or oral surgeon will need to know about your medical history, including any operations you’ve had, medications you have taken or are presently taking, and medical conditions with which you may have dealt. Once your dentist has been informed of and reviewed your medical history, the proper accommodations and adjustments may be made and the extraction procedure may be implemented.

Basic Process

The removal of wisdom teeth begins with the application of a local anesthetic. In addition, nitrous oxide gas may be used to make sure the patient is comfortable, or a general anesthetic may be utilized to ensure total comfort.

Once the patient is ready, the removal process commences. A dental tool known as an elevator is utilized in order to loosen the tooth from its socket. A pair of forceps is then engaged to extract the tooth. Also, in some cases, a high-speed dental saw can be used to break the tooth into small pieces that may be easily removed.

There May Be Complications

Although complications are rare, they can occur. After the procedure is completed, your dentist will provide you with postoperative instructions to help ally the development of any complications. However, with even the best efforts, problems can happen.

As there is with any medical procedure, wisdom teeth extraction carries with it the possibility of various problems, including infection, tenderness, and bleeding or the loosening of fillings or crowns, jaw fracture, or ongoing numbness. Entry into the sinus area by a tooth in the upper part of the mouth can also occur.

Dry socket, a painful and serious condition, can possibly develop. Dry socket occurs when the removed tooth’s socket first forms a protective clot that is then loosened and lost. The loss of the clot, which had protected the nerve and jawbone, exposes the socket to air, food, and liquids. The result, which is an infection lasting five to six days, is very painful.

If you have a problem with dry socket, your dentist must clean out the affected area. Your dental practitioner will also administer some painkillers and antibiotics to make sure the infection does not return.

Timely Removal

At Primary Dental Care, serving those in the Garden Grove, California, area, we know that the timely removal of wisdom teeth is important, as this can drastically cut down on complications. Contact us at 714-537-5700 for information related to the extraction of wisdom teeth and any other dental treatments or procedures. The professional staff at Primary Dental Care will be happy to answer any questions you may have.