The doctors at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center offer wisdom teeth removals in Fresno, CA. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of teeth to develop and grow into the dental arch. These teeth usually come in around the ages of 17 and 25 but can come in earlier or later. Often, there is simply not enough room in the mouth for these teeth to grow in properly. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, or there is simply not enough room in your mouth to accommodate these teeth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may need to remove them. Your oral surgeon will perform an exam and give X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed.
If impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, they can cause common and preventable complications, such as shifting of adjacent teeth, infection, and pain in the mouth. It is important to have routine dental exams well before the wisdom teeth have fully developed so as to prevent these complications. Early detection and removal of wisdom teeth are often recommended to prevent oral health problems.
Why should wisdom teeth be removed?
Most patients’ mouths are unable to accommodate these extra molars. As such, wisdom teeth often cause problems if they are left in the mouth and are unable to grow in properly. Most dental professionals recommend removal of wisdom teeth before the root structure develops if they are positioned poorly. Having your wisdom teeth removed during this time is often easier on the patient and prevents oral health problems such as the ones listed below from occurring:
- Impaction (in which a tooth has only partially erupted through the gums) often leads to infection due to bacteria and germs hiding in the space created by the impacted tooth.
- Infections can spread to healthy teeth and bone tissue and can cause pain and other problems.
- Cysts and tumors can develop from an untreated infection, which can cause permanent bone damage.
- Damage to the adjacent teeth can occur when wisdom teeth are left to grow in sideways.
- Dental crowding occurs when teeth are pushed together. This can happen from wisdom teeth growing in sideways, which forces the adjacent teeth inward.
Fortunately, these common dental issues are preventable. Having your wisdom teeth checked and evaluated before they erupt allows you and your dental team the time to treat your specific dental issues and prevent major complications before they ever occur.
When is the best time for wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients experience wisdom teeth removal when they are teenagers or young adults. However, the development of the teeth is more important than the age of the patient. Removal is usually recommended between the ages of 13 and 20, especially if the wisdom teeth are showing signs of poor positioning or other problems. At this stage, the teeth are smaller and easier to remove. This makes for an easier recovery for the patient.
Many patients schedule their wisdom teeth removal around a break from work or school so as to allow adequate time for rest and recovery. If you are recommended for wisdom teeth removal, it is a good idea to allow yourself a few days to recover after your procedure.
About the Procedure
At Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, wisdom teeth removals are a common oral surgery procedure. During your consultation appointment, you are encouraged to ask questions about your upcoming procedure and discuss your anesthesia options. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in anesthesia administration for patients of all ages.
Your procedure will start with the administration of an anesthetic. You will have discussed and decided on the anesthesia option that is right for you well in advance of your surgery. If an IV anesthesia is going to be used, you will need a designated driver to accompany you to your appointment. IV anesthesia will put you into a sleep-like state until the procedure is over.
If your wisdom teeth are partially or completely beneath the gums, the surgeon will lift the gum tissue to reach the teeth. On occasion, wisdom teeth will need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for complete removal. Once the teeth are removed, the surgical sites will be sutured, and you will need to rest until your anesthesia wears off.
Your designated driver will take you home. Eating soft foods for a few days after surgery is a good idea. While your surgical sites heal over the next couple of weeks, your surgical sites need to remain clean. Most patients find that they can return to their normal schedules and activities after just a few days of rest.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Fresno, CA
Contact our office in Fresno, 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.