Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Orange, CA Dentist
 Wisdom teeth extraction refers to the surgical removal of the third molars, which are the four permanent teeth positioned at the furthest rear of the mouth in both jaws. It is common for individuals to possess all four of their wisdom teeth. Our dentist, Dr. Charlie Hsieh, DDS, may recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth if you experience dental discomfort in the vicinity of your back teeth. Also, your wisdom teeth can be removed if you have severe tooth decay or gum disease. Extracting your wisdom teeth is ideal if you frequently encounter food and debris getting stuck around your wisdom teeth. At Charlie Hsieh Dental Corporation our dentist can remove your wisdom teeth to prevent dental problems in the future.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common restorative dentistry procedure that we perform here at Charlie Hsieh Dental Corporation. The process will start with an initial consultation here at our office. Our dentist will evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth using X-rays. This helps will help us plan the surgical procedure accurately.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are also called third molars. These teeth are located at the very back of your mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. They are also the last set of teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth typically come in anywhere between the ages of 17 and 25. Some individuals may only have two wisdom teeth, while others may not have any at all.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are generally identical to your other molars when it comes to their composition: they are coated in enamel, contain nerves and blood vessels, and consist of a crown and one or two roots. That being said, due to their delayed debut and often cramped conditions, they can sometimes be misshapen, or positioned oddly which can lead to certain problems. Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, and a misalignment of teeth as a result. Your gums, teeth, and even jaw, may feel sensitive and sore if your wisdom teeth are coming in. They should be checked by our dentist to see if they should be removed.
The Importance of Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Unfortunately, it's quite common for wisdom teeth to become impacted, which means that they are trapped in the jawbone or gums as they try to emerge. This can happen due to lack of space in the mouth or because of how the tooth is angled. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, and other dental issues.
What Happens Prior To Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
We will first schedule a consultation with you. During this appointment, our dentist, Dr. Charlie Hsieh, DDS, will evaluate the condition of your wisdom teeth and use dental x-rays to locate them precisely. We will engage in discussion with you regarding sedation choices. Wisdom teeth removal is generally carried out using local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation, depending on your individual requirements. If you are taking any supplements, vitamins, or medications, be sure to let us know. This is also an opportune time to inquire about any concerns or questions regarding the procedure.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your examination and it is determined that you should have your wisdom teeth removed, we will schedule you for an appointment. Your wisdom tooth removal will consist of four steps.
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Anesthesia: The procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, your dentist may use local, sedation, or general anesthesia. After administering sedation medications, your surgeon will apply local anesthesia to numb your gums and teeth.
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Incision: Once your mouth is numb, the dentist will make a small incision in the tissue to expose the tooth and bone. Incisions are made to expose impacted wisdom teeth (wisdom teeth in the bone or gums), allowing the surgeon to gain sufficient access.
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Tooth Extraction: After the wisdom teeth become visible, the oral surgeon will meticulously loosen and extract them from their sockets.If your wisdom tooth is impacted, the dentist may have to remove some bone to get to the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth is broken up into smaller parts for easier extraction. Then, using dental tools, the tooth is gently removed.
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Cleaning and Stitches: The site is then cleaned of any debris, and if required, the dentist will stitch up the wound. This is usually done with dissolvable stitches that disappear after a few days. The entire procedure takes approximately one hour or less. However, more intricate cases may require additional time to complete. |
Recovery Tips After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort. You may also have swelling and bleeding on and around the extraction site. Our dental team will provide you with instructions for managing these side effects and ways to alleviate pain effectively.
After the removal of your wisdom teeth, you will be on a diet of soft foods and liquids. We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, including information on pain management, oral hygiene, and signs of infection to watch out for. This will help you heal faster and avoid any potential complications.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction offers several notable advantages, primarily minimizing the risk of potential oral health issues. It reduces the risk of developing problems like tooth decay, bone loss, gum disease, damage to neighboring teeth from overcrowding or infection, and jaw damage.
Wisdom teeth can sometimes be treated with a root canal, but oftentimes, the best treatment is extracting these teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Orange, CA
If you are currently experiencing pain due to your wisdom teeth, or you are uncertain if you should have them removed, it is best to schedule an appointment to see our dentist, Dr. Charlie Hsieh, DDS. We can perform a dental cleaning and exam, and take some x-rays, and from there, properly determine if you should undergo wisdom teeth extraction. Contact our office today by calling (657) 822-0328 to set up a consultation with us. |
