Wisdom Teeth Removal in Madera, CA

The doctors at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center offer wisdom teeth removals in Madera, CA. Wisdom teeth usually erupt in the mouth around the ages of 17 and 25, but they can develop earlier or later. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are commonly removed because many people simply do not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate an entire extra set of molars. When there is not enough room in the mouth and the wisdom teeth start to come in, complications such as impaction, dental crowding, shifting of teeth, and pain can occur. If your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who specializes in the procedure.

Routine dental exams well before wisdom teeth have fully developed are a recommended part of your dental care plan. This will help determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed and prevent future complications. If you are referred to our office, 3D scans will be taken during the exam for your oral surgeon to determine a treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Why Dental Professionals Recommend Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most people have four wisdom teeth, although the number can vary. Given their size and position in the mouth, they are often incapable of growing into position properly. It is often recommended that wisdom teeth be removed before the root structure develops, which is easier on the patient and prevents oral health problems from occurring, such as the following:

• Impaction, which often causes infection due to germs and bacteria getting trapped in the space created by the impacted wisdom tooth.
• Infections, which cause problems by spreading to healthy teeth and bone tissue.
• Cysts and tumors, which can develop from an untreated infection, which can be painful and lead to permanent bone damage.
• Damage to the adjacent teeth, which can occur when improperly positioned wisdom teeth grow sideways.
• Dental crowding, which becomes an issue when improperly positioned wisdom teeth grow sideways and force adjacent teeth inward.

Having your wisdom teeth evaluated well in advance of them coming in allows you and your dental team adequate time to treat your specific dental issues and prevent major complications before they ever occur.

When is the Right Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

It is more important to consider the development of the teeth than the age of the patient when determining the best time for wisdom teeth removal. However, most wisdom teeth are removed between the ages of 13 and 20. During this time the teeth are smaller and easier to extract, making adolescence an ideal time for the procedure.

We recommend scheduling your wisdom teeth removal procedure around a break from work or school, so you have adequate time to rest and recover with minimal disruption to your schedule.

About the Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure. Your treatment will begin with a consultation with your oral surgeon, who will complete an exam, take 3D scans, and discuss your anesthesia options with you. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in anesthesia administration for patients of all ages. At Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, our oral surgeons want to make you feel comfortable, informed, and safe. The consultation appointment is the ideal time to discuss any questions you may have about your upcoming procedure.

Many patients choose IV anesthesia for their procedure, which puts them in a sleep-like state until the surgery is over. If you have chosen IV anesthesia you will not remember the procedure, and you will not feel any pain during the surgery. You will need a designated driver to accompany you to this appointment.

Once the anesthesia has been administered, the wisdom teeth will be removed. Wisdom teeth that are partially or completely beneath the gums will be extracted by the surgeon lifting the gum tissue. On occasion, wisdom teeth need to be sectioned into smaller pieces to completely remove the tooth and its root. After your wisdom teeth have been removed and your surgical sites are sutured, you will rest until your anesthesia wears off and your designated driver will take you home.

It is important to keep the extraction site clean during the healing process. Starting 24 hours after surgery, you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water. A soft food diet is often recommended for the first few days after the surgery, and you should avoid straws which can dislodge blood clots from the tooth socket and cause a dry socket. After just a few days of rest, most patients can return to their normal schedules and activities.

Bank Stem Cells From Your Wisdom Teeth

Stem cells hold the future for regenerative medicine. Our practice is partnered with Stemodontics^® to provide our patients with a secure way to store their stem cells for future use. Your oral surgeon can send your stem cells to a laboratory after your wisdom teeth are extracted, leaving them readily available anytime you need them in the future. Protect your health today and ask your surgeon about your stem cell banking options.