Your wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of your mouth. Not everyone has wisdom teeth, but for most people, they grow in between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people will need to have at least one, if not all, of their wisdom teeth extracted. There are several reasons why you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
One of the main reasons Dr. Omid would recommend wisdom teeth extraction would be due to pain. Because wisdom teeth are so close to the nerves in the jaw, when they come in, it can be extremely painful. They may not have the space to come in properly, leading to impaction. If they do become impacted, it can cause even more pain, leading to headaches and jaw swelling.
There are other reasons that Dr. Omid may recommend wisdom teeth extraction.
Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Your body doesn't begin the process of forming wisdom teeth until about the age of 7 and dentists can usually spot them on an x-ray sometime after the age of 12.
The timing for wisdom teeth extraction depends on personal dental health and history. We may recommend removing them earlier rather than later, usually before the patient turns 18 to 20, to avoid issues that can arise in the future once the third molars erupt. In some cases, we may extract them before they emerge.
We will start with a consultation appointment. During this appointment, Dr. Omid's team will take diagnostic digital x-rays to help them see how these teeth are impacting adjacent teeth. X-rays will also show us exactly where the teeth are, something that's important if you're dealing with impacted teeth.
In addition to evaluating the x-rays, Dr. Omid will do an oral examination, checking for decay and gum disease.
Based on his exam and the information obtained from the x-rays, we will work with you to create a treatment plan that will fit your unique needs. Not only will you discuss why extractions are necessary, but how to ensure your comfort during the extraction appointment and minimize your recovery time.
Dr. Omid will talk with you about your chosen method of sedation before the extraction begins. Once you're relaxed or asleep, he'll numb the gums around your wisdom teeth. We make sure to use a level of sedation that will keep you comfortable so that you don't experience any pain. You may feel a bit of pressure, but if you feel pain, let your dentist know so that we can address it right away.
There are three main sedation options available.
Depending on how much of the tooth is visible, the extraction will be done one of two ways.
If the teeth have fully erupted and are in good condition (not broken, without deep decay), the teeth can be removed fairly easily with forceps.
In cases of full- or partially-impacted teeth - or if there are other issues like decay, infection, or bone disease - you may need a surgical extraction. In this case, your Santa Barbara dentist will use a scalpel to expose the tooth and roots. Then, he'll remove the tissue connecting the wisdom tooth to the bone, making it easier for him to remove the wisdom tooth itself.
After your extractions, Dr. Omid will place self-dissolving sutures. If you've been completely sedated, you'll rest until you are fully conscious again.
After your extractions, Dr. Omid will place self-dissolving sutures. If you've been completely sedated, you'll rest until you are fully conscious again.
For patients who begin orthodontic treatments in their teens or preteens, it may make more sense to have the wisdom teeth removed after the treatment is completed. However, in older patients who still have their wisdom teeth, we may recommend extraction before treatment.
The cost of wisdom teeth extraction depends on the type of extraction, the number of teeth that are being removed, and what type (if any) insurance you have. We will go over your care plan with you prior to scheduling your extraction so that you know any and all costs associated with your appointment.
We will send you home with a list of aftercare instructions, but generally recovery takes up to two weeks. After your extraction, you need to take extra precautions to ensure you don't end up with dry socket or an infection. Ways to do this include:
As with any procedure, there are complications that can occur. The most common complications from wisdom teeth extractions are dry socket and infection. Dry socket is when a blood clot fails to develop where the tooth was removed and it can become very painful. Infection can happen when bacteria gets into the surgical site. Both of these conditions can be avoided by following the instructions provided after your extraction. Always contact us right away if you have any concerns about your recovery.
Talk to your Santa Barbara dentist about whether extractions are your best option. He'll ease your mind and help you make the best decision for your unique needs.
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