Protect Your Long-Term Oral Health
Around the late teens or early twenties, many people develop a third set of molars known as wisdom teeth. Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having these teeth removed as soon as possible because the average adult mouth does not have enough room to house an extra set of molars. Leaving them untreated could lead to various problems that affect the teeth, gums, and overall oral health.At Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, Dr. Chien, Dr. Kheradpir, Dr. Barnhart, Dr. Huh, Dr. Curiel, and Dr. Salim regularly extract wisdom teeth in the comfort of our office and offer many anesthesia options for your comfort. If it’s time for you or your child to have third molars extracted, contact our office in Visalia, CA, to schedule a consultation. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, we will evaluate the size and position of the wisdom teeth and create a custom treatment plan catered to your oral health needs.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt. You already have second molars responsible for chewing food, therefore third molars are not necessary for oral function. Wisdom teeth can sometimes erupt through the gums without causing any issues, although this is rare. In most cases, there is not enough room for these teeth and dental experts recommend having them extracted as soon as possible before they cause health problems. Without enough room to develop, wisdom teeth can grow sideways and push against other teeth. They have large, unpredictable roots that can damage facial nerves or other roots.
When there is not enough room in the jaw for an extra set of molars, problems can arise as these teeth try to squeeze in, such as:
- Dental crowding
- Damage to adjacent teeth and their roots
- Infection, as these molars can be difficult to clean
- Gum (periodontal) disease
- Cysts and tumors that form around an infected tooth
- Impaction, which occurs when a tooth is partially or fully trapped beneath the gums
You may develop all four wisdom teeth, less than four, or, in rare cases, more than four. Some people never develop wisdom teeth at all. Whether you have multiple wisdom teeth or only one, you should see an oral surgeon for an evaluation to determine the right time for extraction. By having your wisdom teeth removed early, you can prevent these issues and protect your oral health.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Swelling or pain near the back of your jaw
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Ongoing bad breath, even after brushing
- Gums that are red, tender, or bleed easily
- You can see the top of a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
Not all wisdom teeth cause noticeable symptoms, but this does not mean that issues are not present. Some people feel pain caused by their wisdom teeth early on, while other people may not even know they have wisdom teeth until years later when wisdom teeth have damaged adjacent molars and surrounding bone. Be sure to attend regular dental visits, where your dentist looks for wisdom teeth and will refer you to an oral surgeon when it is time to have them removed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
At the consultation appointment, one of our expert oral surgeons will evaluate your wisdom teeth and create a custom treatment plan to have them extracted safely and comfortably. Our office is equipped with advanced 3D imaging technology for detailed treatment planning and enhanced surgical precision. We also offer many anesthesia options to choose from and will help you select the right anesthetic for your level of comfort.
On the day of your procedure, we will administer the chosen form of anesthesia and wait for it to take effect. Your oral surgeon will remove any erupted wisdom teeth using forceps, similar to a simple tooth extraction. To remove impacted wisdom teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue. The wisdom teeth may be broken into smaller pieces to make removal easier. Using a tool called an elevator, your surgeon will lift the tooth before pulling it out.
Sutures are placed as needed and you will rest until the anesthesia wears off and we feel you are ready to go home. We will provide you with post-operative instructions that explain how to care for your surgical sites, what foods to avoid, and steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery.
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!
Bank Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth
Stem cells are powerful cells that can differentiate into other types of cells. There are a plethora of stem cells within wisdom teeth, and you can bank these cells for the potential use of regenerative medicine and other therapies in the future. Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center has partnered with Stemodontics®, the leading stem cell banking service that provides patients with the opportunity to safely and securely bank stem cells from wisdom teeth. Learn more about stem cell banking during your first visit and how you can invest in your future health.
Types of Anesthesia
Our surgeons offer many options for anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort during treatment.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi, I'm Alex from Fresno, and I came to Fresno Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first came into this practice, I really felt welcomed here. They treated me like family and the staff here was really, really wonderful. My doctor was very friendly, was very professional, and explained everything to me. My procedure went really well. I knew what to expect, and that put me at ease. My recovery went smooth and easy. I'm excited to be able to smile now. My overall experience here was fantastic. I'm really glad I chose this practice for my surgery. To all my friends and family in Tarpey Village and Easton, I highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery."
"When I first came into the Fresno Oral Surgery office, there was a nice mellow mood. They got me in at a timely manner, and everything went smoothly from there. The doctors explained everything to me thoroughly. They made sure that I was taken care of and that they were giving me their all. Surgery went smooth—it was not even 30 minutes, in and out. Within a couple days, I was up and going back to my 100% self. For my friends and family in Clovis, Selma, and Madera, I highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery."
"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. "
"I waited just a little too long to have my wisdom teeth out, and so I had one that opened up, and I figured it's about that time, and I had my wisdom teeth extracted. I was very nervous. The surgery went great. They took them out, and I left, and it happened literally that fast, and I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever about them; they did an amazing job. The staff here is amazing; from the front to the back, they made me feel very comfortable. It was a great experience with them. Dr. Kheradpir is amazing. I have had nothing but the best experiences with myself and feel so much better about the procedure. I had an amazing experience, and I'd give this office a five out of five stars — definitely."
"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
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
Several factors determine the cost of wisdom teeth removal, including the number of wisdom teeth you need to have extracted, your insurance, your choice of anesthesia, and the complexity of your treatment. To find out how much your wisdom teeth removal would cost, contact our office in Visalia to schedule an appointment. We will provide you with a cost estimate during the first visit and outline all of your payment and financing options.
Does it hurt to have wisdom teeth removed?
It is our goal to make sure you have a comfortable oral surgery experience. Our oral surgeons are trained to offer and administer all forms of anesthesia safely. We offer many options for our patients, including general anesthesia, IV sedation, nitrous oxide, and local anesthesia.
After the procedure, some discomfort and swelling can be expected. You can manage post-operative pain with over-the-counter pain medications and by sticking to soft foods while the surgical sites heal.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket is a condition following a tooth extraction that occurs when the blood clot forming within the empty socket becomes dislodged. You can avoid a dry socket by not using a straw for 5 days after your procedure and by not smoking for at least a week. If the blood clot dislodges, the underlying bone and nerves become exposed, which can be quite painful. Contact our office if you suspect a dry socket.
What age should I have wisdom teeth removed?
Many people develop wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. The right time to have your wisdom teeth extracted will depend on your oral health, but many dental professionals recommend having these molars removed as soon as possible. Wisdom teeth are much easier to remove before they are fully developed, and younger patients tend to recover quickly.
As the wisdom teeth develop, they become more firmly embedded in the jaw bone. This can sometimes make later extraction more complicated. Although we recommend early extraction in most cases, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons can extract wisdom teeth for patients of all ages.
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