Protect Oral Health With Early Removal of Third Molars
The doctors at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center offer wisdom teeth removal in Reedley, CA. If your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our expert team can help—we specialize in wisdom teeth removal.Wisdom teeth typically grow in around the ages of 17 and 25, although they can erupt in the mouth earlier or later. These teeth, also known as third molars, are often unable to fit into their proper positions because many patients simply do not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate an extra set of molars. Leaving these teeth untreated, where they cannot properly come in, can lead to a host of complications, such as impaction, dental crowding, shifting of teeth, and pain, among other issues.
Early detection and treatment is key to preventing complications. Routine dental exams well in advance of the eruption of these teeth is a recommended part of your dental care plan. If you are referred to our office for wisdom teeth extraction, you will come in for a consultation and exam. X-rays and 3D scans will be taken during this time, and options for anesthesia will be discussed. This will allow your oral surgeon to determine the treatment plan that is right for you.
Reasons to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
Given their size and position in the mouth, wisdom teeth are often incapable of growing into the mouth properly. Wisdom teeth are often recommended for removal before the root structure develops because it is easier on the patient and prevents the following oral health complications:
- Impaction, which often 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, causing pain and other problems.
- Cysts and tumors, which can develop from an untreated infection, cause permanent bone damage and be very painful.
- Damage to the adjacent teeth, which can occur when wisdom teeth are left to grow sideways.
- Dental crowding, which occurs when teeth are pushed together. This can happen when wisdom teeth grow sideways and force the 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 Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
In general, wisdom teeth are removed between the ages of 13 and 20, but it is more important to consider the developmental stage of the teeth than the age of the patient when deciding the optimal time for wisdom teeth removal. Adolescence is often a better time for the patient because the teeth are smaller and easier to remove, which makes for an easier recovery.
If you are recommended for wisdom teeth removal, it is a good idea to schedule your procedure around a break from work or school. This allows for adequate rest and recovery time with minimal disruption to your schedule.
About the Surgical Procedure
On the day of your surgery the procedure will begin with your previously determined option for anesthesia. IV anesthesia, which many patients choose, will put you in a sleep-like state until the procedure is over. You will not remember the procedure, and you will not feel any pain during the surgery with this option. If you choose to undergo general anesthesia or IV sedation you will need to bring a designated driver with you to this appointment. Once you are sedated and comfortable the surgeon will lift the gum tissue to expose the tooth. Sometimes, for complete removal, the tooth will need to be sectioned into smaller pieces. After your wisdom teeth have been removed and your surgical sites are sutured, you will rest until the anesthesia wears off. Your designated driver will take you home and should stay with you for 24 hours until the anesthesia fully wears off.
You will need to keep your extraction sites clean during the healing process, beginning one day after surgery rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Pain and swelling is common for the first few days after surgery but easily managed with ice packs and ibuprofen. You will need time to rest but most patients find they are able to return to their normal schedule 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!
Store Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth contain stem cells, which are used in regenerative medicine. When you have your wisdom teeth removed, your oral surgeon can harvest these powerful cells and send them to a secure laboratory. Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center is partnered with Stemodontics®, a leading stem cell banking service, to keep your stem cells readily available for future use. Protect your future health today and ask your surgeon about stem cell banking.
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 office was pretty helpful [in] telling me how the surgery was going to go and they were pretty straightforward. Dr. Huh worked with me very well. He was a very nice guy. The doctors explained everything to me and made sure I was comfortable. The procedure was pretty good. They told me what was going to happen and after it was good. I had a great experience here. I'll give Fresno Oral Surgery five stars."
"My procedure was based simply on the fact that I had a cracked tooth, and they could not fix it, and because it was on the wisdom tooth, for safety reasons, it was best to extract the tooth. Dr. Kheradpir was very, very informative, made me feel very, very comfortable, explained procedures to me, and did not, under any circumstances, put any kind of altering pressure to have a procedure done, one way or the other. He pretty much said, "This is what you need to do; when you're ready, we'll do it." I would say to someone else who needed this procedure of an extraction, come see this doctor because he is very, very good. To my friends in Fresno, Clovis, and Sanger, Fresno Oral Surgery is the place for you to be. "
"When I walked into the office it was very modern, very clean. The staff here is very professional, they’re very courteous. When the doctor came in, he was very friendly. He explained things very clearly, very concisely, in a way that I could understand it. The procedure went very well. It felt like I was out of there in no time. It was a very quick procedure. I had a really positive experience here, and I would highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery to anybody needing their services. "
"Right when I walked in, it was just a really nice and happy place to be. The doctors at Fresno Oral Surgery were very nice and everything was very professional. They explained everything to me which made me feel very comfortable. The procedure went very fast and I woke up feeling fine. The recovery was very quick and I was just able to do what I normally do within the next day. I had a great experience here and I highly recommend the doctors here at Fresno Oral Surgery. "
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?
Do not smoke or ingest alcoholic beverages for at least 8 hours prior to surgery. Please brush your teeth prior to your appointment. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and lower your chance of an infection. You must bring a responsible adult who can drive you home.
How do you brush your teeth after wisdom teeth removal?
As soon as possible, it is important to gently brush your teeth. Make sure to avoid the surgical sites with your toothbrush. Continue to brush your teeth and keep your mouth as clean as possible. If you were given a prescription-strength mouth rinse it is important that you use that as directed.
Do they put you to sleep for wisdom teeth?
Before they begin your wisdom teeth removal surgery they will inject the extraction site with local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. If you're particularly nervous, your dentist or oral surgeon may give you a sedative to make you more comfortable and help you relax. This will usually be an injection into your arm.
Do sutures prevent dry socket?
Preventative measures, like the placement of the sutures and packing, can be taken by your oral surgeon to limit the risk of complications like dry socket. It is also recommended that you avoid straws as they can dislodge blood clots from the tooth socket and increase the risk of dry sockets.
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