Wisdom Teeth Removal in Clovis, CA
Prevent Oral Health Issues With Early Removal of Third Molars
The doctors at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center prevent oral health issues with early removal of third molars 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 your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who specializes in the procedure. Early detection and removal of wisdom teeth are often recommended to prevent future oral health problems.
Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Be Removed
Most patients’ mouths don’t have the room to fit an extra set of molars. Wisdom teeth can cause issues if they are left in the mouth untreated. Most dental professionals recommend extracting wisdom teeth that are positioned poorly before the root structure develops. Early removal of wisdom teeth is often easier on the patient and prevents the following oral health issues from occurring:
- Impaction occurs when a tooth is positioned improperly and trapped beneath the gum, or only partially erupted. There is an increase of bacterial growth that can lead to infection.
- Infections can cause gum disease and tooth decay that can spread to healthy teeth and bone tissue.
- Cysts and tumors develop from untreated infection that can cause pain and permanent damage to healthy teeth and jaw bone.
- Damage to the adjacent teeth is a risk when wisdom teeth are left in an improper position to grow in sideways.
- Dental crowding can happen when wisdom teeth left in their improper position push adjacent teeth inward.
Fortunately, we are able to prevent all of these common dental issues with regular visits to have your wisdom teeth checked and evaluated. This gives your dental team the time and ability to step in and treat your specific dental issues and prevent major complications before they ever even occur.
When Is the Right Time To Have My 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 procedure around a break from work or school to allow adequate time to rest without major disruptions to their schedule.
About the Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
At Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure. Your wisdom teeth removal treatment will start with a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon, at which time they will complete a thorough exam of your mouth, take 3D scans, and discuss your options for anesthesia. 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. 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 will be closed with sutures after the teeth are removed, and you will rest until the anesthesia wears off.
It is important that you keep your surgical sites clean during the healing process. After 24 hours you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Eating soft foods and avoiding straws is recommended for a few days after surgery. Pain and swelling is common but can be managed with ice packs and ibuprofen. It is important to take the proper time to rest but most patients find they can return to their normal schedules and activities after just a few days.
We want to protect our patients' health even after leaving our office. To that end, we proudly offer stem cell banking services to use in future regenerative medicines and therapies. Watch the video to learn more!
Stem Cell Banking From Wisdom Teeth
Our practice is partnered with Stemodontics®, a leading stem cell banking service, to protect your future health. Wisdom teeth contain powerful stem cells, which your oral surgeon can harvest during a wisdom tooth removal procedure. Many stem cell therapies are in development to treat a range of conditions. By banking your stem cells, you are taking steps to take care of your future health. Ask your oral surgeon about how you can invest in your health by banking stem cells from wisdom teeth.
Types of Anesthesia
Our surgeons offer many options for anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort during treatment.
Hear From Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing wisdom tooth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
"The atmosphere here is like one, big, happy family. They’re always like, “Hey, how are you doing?” and then someone will start a conversation with you, make you feel even more comfortable. The doctors here are very welcoming, very caring, definitely make me feel very safe. The staff are definitely like family here. They make me feel absolutely comfortable, at ease, super relaxed. The wisdom teeth procedure went by very fast. It’s like blinking, almost. It’s like I blinked and it was done, and then I just woke up and it was, I was ready to go home. For any of my friends who live in Fresno or Selma to get their wisdom teeth done, I would highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery, for sure."
"My overall experience here was great. They were very welcoming, and they put my mind at ease. The doctors at, Fresno Oral Surgery, really know their stuff. I felt like I was in really good hands here. The surgery here was really successful. Staff here are really friendly, you know. After the surgery, they walked me out back to my car. Recovery was very fast and easy, and I was all ready able to eat a juice-fat steak in no time. I would recommend Fresno Oral Surgery because it is very welcoming, inviting, and they really know their stuff here."
"My wisdom teeth were impacted. They were coming sideways, and I just had braces, so I didn't want my teeth to be messed up. I wanted them to stay perfect, so that's why I needed to get them out. I was definitely nervous when I came in, but all the doctors were super nice and very caring and got me to calm down, and it was super easy and really nice. Just relaxing — got me to feel very comfortable here. Dr. Barnhart, she definitely — initially, I was very scared. I haven't gotten an IV in a long time, and when she was giving the IV, she helped soothe me and calm me down. When she did it, it didn't even hurt. I don't even know why I was freaking out. The staff was great. As soon as I walked in, they were very welcoming, and you felt very comfortable here. After the surgery, I feel great. Now I'm happy with my teeth. Definitely, I would recommend Fresno Oral Surgery to anybody in Fresno, Clovis, and Visalia, CA, that had to come here and get a procedure. It was a great experience."
"I was having some issues with my wisdom teeth for a while, so I had to have them removed. I was pretty nervous coming in, but everybody was very calm and welcoming and answered any and all questions that I had about the procedure. The staff was amazing. Dr. K was very warm and kind — very personable and answered any questions that I had about the procedure. I had an extremely good experience here, and if I ever had to have anything done again, I would definitely come here. I would give Fresno Oral Surgery five out of five stars, for sure. For my friends and family in Fresno and Dinuba, I would highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery."
"My description of the practice here at Fresno Oral Surgery is an environment that is very welcoming. From the moment I entered the door, the staff was friendly. By the time I got to the doctor, I was more at ease than I would have ever imagined. She is very compassionate and makes you connected immediately. Everything that was described in our consultation actually came through fruition, which was great. I can say that I not only had a good experience, I had a great experience, and I would highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep on your side after wisdom teeth removal?
During your recovery, you will need to sleep on your back with your head propped up for 3–7 days. It is not recommended that you sleep on your side or on your stomach because it can add extra pressure to the area. It will also direct more blood to the area and increase swelling.
How long does jaw stiffness last after wisdom teeth removal?
After third molar removal, some jaw stiffness may occur with very limited jaw opening. This is more common with the removal of the lower wisdom teeth. Jaw stiffness may last for up to 3 weeks following surgery and will slowly release.
When can I stop worrying about dry sockets?
There is a risk of dry socket until you're fully healed, usually in 7 to 10 days. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket after your extraction becomes dislodged. Dry socket is no longer a risk once the site is healed.
What does dry socket feel like at first?
Signs and symptoms of dry socket may include: Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction. Partial or complete loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, when you look in your mouth you may notice an empty-looking (dry) socket, or visible bone in the socket.
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