The doctors at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center offer wisdom teeth removals in Clovis, CA. Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the final set of teeth that develop and grow into the dental arch. These teeth usually erupt around the ages of 17 and 25, but can develop earlier or later. Many times these teeth do not have enough room to grow into their proper positions, which can result in complications such as impaction, dental crowding, shifting of teeth, and pain, among other issues. Routine dental exams well before the wisdom teeth have fully developed can help your dental care professional determine if these molars need to be removed. If they do need to be extracted, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who specializes in wisdom teeth removal.
An exam and X-rays will be given during your consultation with your oral surgeon to determine the best treatment plan. Early detection and removal of wisdom teeth is often recommended to prevent oral health problems.
Why should wisdom teeth be removed?
Many times, a patient’s mouth is simply too small to fit an extra set of molars. Most people have four wisdom teeth, although the number can vary. Removal of wisdom teeth before the root structure develops is often recommended by dental professionals if they are not positioned correctly. This is often easier on the patient and prevents oral health problems from occurring, such as
- Impaction (in which a tooth has only partially erupted through the gums), which frequently leads to infection due to bacteria and germs hiding in the space created by the impacted tooth.
- Infections, which can spread to healthy teeth and bone tissue and can cause pain and other problems.
- Cysts and tumors, which can cause permanent bone damage if left untreated.
- Damage to the adjacent teeth, which can occur when wisdom teeth are left to grow in sideways.
- Dental crowding, which occurs when teeth are pushed together. This can happen from wisdom teeth growing in sideways, forcing the adjacent teeth inward.
Having your wisdom teeth evaluated well in advance of them coming in gives you and your dental team adequate time to treat your specific dental issues and prevent major complications before they ever occur.
When is the best time for wisdom teeth removal?
Although wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended between the ages of 13 and 20, it is more important to consider the development of the teeth than the age of the patient. Sometimes wisdom teeth removal is necessary earlier or later than these ages. However, wisdom teeth removal during adolescence is usually easier on the patient because the teeth are smaller and therefore easier to remove.
If you are recommended for wisdom teeth removal, it is a good idea to allow yourself a few days to recover after your procedure. Many patients schedule their wisdom teeth removal procedure around a break from work or school to allow adequate time for rest and recovery without much disruption to their schedule.
About the Procedure
At Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, wisdom teeth removals are a common oral surgery procedure. Your wisdom teeth removal treatment will start with a consultation with your oral surgeon, at which time you are encouraged to ask questions about your upcoming procedure. Anesthesia options will also be discussed with you so that you can make the best choice for you. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in anesthesia administration for patients of all ages. Their goal is to help you feel comfortable, informed, and safe.
The day of your surgery, anesthesia will be administered. Many patients choose an IV anesthesia, which puts them in a sleep-like state until the procedure is over. If you have chosen IV anesthesia, you will not remember the procedure. You will also need a designated driver to accompany you and wait during your procedure.
Wisdom teeth that are partially or completely beneath the gums will be extracted by the surgeon lifting the gum tissue to reach the teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth need to be sectioned into smaller pieces. Your surgical sites are sutured after the teeth are removed, and you will rest until your anesthesia wears off.
Your designated driver will drive you home. Your surgical sites need to remain clean over the next couple of weeks, and eating soft foods for a few days after surgery is recommended. Most patients can return to their normal schedules and activities after just a few days of rest.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Clovis, CA
Contact our office in Clovis, CA, if you or your child need wisdom teeth removed. A member of our staff will be happy to schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained oral surgeons.