Wisdom Teeth Removal in Visalia, CA

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.

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.