When Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Beneficial
Almost every tooth in your mouth serves an important purpose, so it’s rarely advisable to have a tooth removed. However, not only can teeth become too damaged to save, you may also develop teeth that cause nothing but problems.
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to come in. They’ll typically finish erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth present an issue because the human mouth has developed in such a way that sometimes, there’s simply no room for them. When wisdom teeth begin to erupt without room to accommodate them, they can cause multiple oral health issues.
Fortunately, removing wisdom teeth can prevent or remedy the issues your third molars cause. At the office of A. Scott Grivas III, DDS, INC., Dr. Grivas and his team can gently and efficiently remove these teeth to support the lasting health of your smile.
Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Dr. Grivas and his team believe that it’s important for patients to understand why wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed. Some of the most common issues associated with third molars include:
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there’s not enough room for your teeth, causing them to compete for space and create alignment issues. Because there’s often not enough room in your mouth for wisdom teeth, crowding is a concern for most patients. Besides altering your smile and potentially undoing past orthodontic treatment, crowding can also lead to issues like crossbite, jaw pain, and infection.
Impaction
Impaction occurs when teeth do not have room to fully erupt, so they may erupt only partway or not at all. Because it’s impossible to properly tend to these teeth, they’re at an increased risk of developing issues such as tooth infection and decay, or causing gum disease.
Jawbone Damage
Cysts are pockets of fluid that frequently develop at the roots of wisdom teeth and other impacted or crowded teeth. These are usually dentigerous cysts that are prone to infection. However, even non-infected cysts can begin to absorb the root system of teeth, leading to the breakdown and loss of bone density. This phenomenon is called resorption.
Sinus Issues
Your sinuses extend to your eyes, nose, and further back in your upper jaw. When wisdom teeth begin to grow in or become infected, they may put excessive pressure on your sinuses. This can cause pain, discomfort, and an impeded ability to breathe.
All in all, issues with your wisdom teeth can go on to affect the rest of your smile. This is why we strongly encourage wisdom teeth removal, sometimes even in cases where they haven’t begun to cause problems.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process
Your Initial Consultation
Before Dr. Grivas commits to extracting any teeth, you’ll attend an initial consultation with him at our Sacramento, CA office. During your initial consultation, Dr. Grivas will provide a thorough examination of your mouth to evaluate your overall oral health and understand the state of your wisdom teeth.
Dr. Grivas will also review your medical history including allergies, medication use, etc., to ensure that the procedure will be both safe and beneficial for you. If you experience dental anxiety, be sure to tell Dr. Grivas. We offer sedation dentistry options that can keep you relaxed during your procedure, and Dr. Grivas can evaluate your candidacy for sedation during the consultation. Once you and Dr. Grivas have decided that extraction is the best solution for you, we’ll schedule your next appointment.
Preparation
Before extraction, we’ll thoroughly clean your mouth to clear it of debris. Then, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to the area around the tooth to numb it. We’ll ensure your anesthetic and any sedation you may have chosen is working properly before proceeding.
Extraction
To extract an erupted wisdom tooth, Dr. Grivas will grasp the biting surface of the tooth with forceps. He’ll gently pull the tooth from its socket with minimal incisions or structural impact. To extract an impacted wisdom tooth, Dr. Grivas will make an incision into your gums to expose the tooth and remove connective tissue. Then he’ll be able to extract the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your recovery time after an extraction will depend on a number of factors including the kind of extraction that was performed, your unique physiology, and your post-treatment behaviors. In order to ensure you heal properly, Dr. Grivas recommends following these guidelines:
- Avoid strenuous activity such as exercise for a few days after surgery
- During the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, hot drinks, and anything else that could dislodge your blood clots
- After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash, especially between meals
- Take any prescribed antibiotics as directed
- Stick to soft or liquid foods
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth for the first few days after surgery
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking for a few days after your procedure
- Keep your head elevated at night using an extra pillow
We recommend that you undergo a wisdom tooth evaluation by the age of 11 and have your wisdom teeth removed before your mid-twenties. Generally, the longer you wait to have your wisdom teeth removed, the greater your chances of post-extraction complications. Dr. Grivas will inform you of the risks of extraction during your consultation and offer you individualized advice on how to ensure a full recovery after your surgery.
For Gentle Wisdom Teeth Removal, Call Our Office Today!
Allowing Dr. Grivas to remove your wisdom teeth may help improve and preserve your oral health. The sooner you have your wisdom teeth removed, the more your oral health will benefit in the long run. Rest assured that Dr. Grivas and his team will be gentle and efficient when extracting your wisdom teeth and will give you the information you need for an easy recovery.
To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grivas, call our office at (916) 929-9222 or request an appointment and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly.
