When people approach adulthood, there could be up to four new teeth erupting in their smiles, leading to major complications with the health and beauty of the smile. Also known as third molars, the wisdom teeth need to be removed before they cause damage to your oral health. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dental practice talks about extracting wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth are up to four new molars that could arrive in the rear of the mouth as a person approaches early adulthood. All four could erupt, or only one or two could. But often, there is simply no room for them, so their arrival could mean a painful partial eruption known as an impaction, damaged teeth, infection, and even the onset of dental misalignment. Which is why we recommend extracting them before they even have a chance to erupt. If you or a member of your family is in their late teens or early 20s, then consider an appointment in which we take digital x-rays and identify the possible presence of wisdom teeth. We then assess whether they need extraction and bring the process of protecting the health, function, and the beauty of your smile.
The Extraction Process
We will use digital x-ray images to plan the procedure in detail and avoid any sensitive nerve tissues and sinus cavities. We then numb the area and offer sedation to ensure you enter a calm and relaxed state with little to no memory of the procedure at all. Our team will then open the gums above the teeth to access and remove them gently with a pair of forceps. Once we extract them, our team will suture the area closed. The sensation takes time to wear off, so a friend or family member will bring you home. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions and also prescriptions for necessary medications to facilitate a fast and effective healing period. Sutures can be removed in a follow up visit.
You will need to rest for a day, and in that time eat soft foods, avoid straw use, and don’t poke or prod the area with your tongue. As part of the healing process a clot needs to form and dislodging it could cause a painful situation known as a dry socket. You should be gentle with brushing and flossing and avoid any activity. If you have any questions about wisdom tooth extraction, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Newport Beach, CA Dentist About Oral Surgery
Our team wants to offer a safe and gentle tooth extraction procedure to help your smile. To find out more about our options for removing third molars, then contact Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery at (949) 630-0143 to discuss care today.
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