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Wisdom teeth are the farthest molars in your mouth. They typically grow during your teenage years and 20s. Some people grow all four while other people only experience a few growing in. There are several reasons we recommend the removal of these molars, from cosmetic reasons to health. At the Balboa Dental Surgery office in Newport Beach, California, we’re here today to tell you all about wisdom teeth and what to expect before getting them extracted.

Why We Recommend Removal

If you’ve ever had braces or another straightening service, you may have heard your dentist recommend removing certain teeth. This is because when they begin to grow, they can shift your teeth around and change the plan for straightening. Removal before beginning the alignment process allows your dental provider to get a clear view of your oral cavity and jaw structure.

Due to the way these extra molars grow, they can be difficult to properly clean and this can result in complications or emergencies later. If you’re unable to brush and floss the area, plaque and tartar can build up. This can result in cavities and gum disease. Some patients have even experienced them growing in at an angle and damaging the surrounding teeth.

What To Expect During This Oral Surgery

When people hear the phrase oral surgery, they may feel nervous or anxious. At our office, we’ll help you feel as comfortable as possible. Removal of teeth is very common and used as a preventive procedure that will save you pain, time, and money in the long run.

Before the procedure, your dentist will do an examination of the oral cavity and take X-rays. Because they grow at different rates for every individual, it is important for us to see how they’re growing and the potential effects. If we feel that removing your wisdom teeth will have a positive effect on your teeth overall, we will proceed with scheduling the surgery.

To get you prepped for this surgery, we’ll sedate you and numb the area so that you are as comfortable as possible. Be sure to have a family member or friend with you to drive you home after this procedure. The oral surgeon will go in, extract the wisdom teeth, and suture the area closed.

The healing process will take ten to 14 days. In the meantime, be sure to ice the area and take pain medications as prescribed. Avoid using a straw, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco. Eating softer foods and staying hydrated will help you heal the area in a timely manner. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call your dentist.

Call Balboa Dental Surgery Today!

If wisdom teeth are bothering you, call Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA today at 949-630-0143.