Extractions
Wisdom Tooth Removal
The 3rd set of adult molars is typically referred to as Wisdom Teeth. Wisdom teeth begin developing in the teen years and may continue developing as late as 30 years of age. Wisdom tooth extractions are a common procedure for dental patients whose teeth are not erupting correctly into the mouth. It’s fairly common to see wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, tilted toward the adjacent tooth. This causes the tooth to become impacted and perhaps only erupt partially into the mouth, with the rest of the tooth blocked from erupting all of the way as it should.
Partial Eruption and Complications
When wisdom teeth are only partly erupted into the mouth, food debris, plaque and bacteria can become lodged under the flap of the skin around the erupting tooth. This places people in a predicament as areas like this quickly become infected and sore due to the inability to keep them completeley clean. Gum disease and tooth decay can then begin to affect the wisdom tooth, which places adjacent teeth at risk for loss as well. Pain typically comes and goes over time. To avoid these conditions, wisdom teeth are typically removed if they are impacted and cannot erupt fully. We are able to offer wisdom tooth removal in our San Diego dental office.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in San Diego
Our San Diego dentist office works with each patient to remove the infected wisdom teeth in a way that keeps them as comfortable as possible during the entire procedure. We are able to perform all types of wisdom tooth removal in our office without the need to refer patients to another facility. Some patients prefer to use local anesthesia during the procedure so they are awake during the entire procedure. Other patients of Dr. Refahi prefer to have general anesthesia and be sedated during the treatment so they are unaware of the procedures.
Extraction Procedures
To remove a wisdom tooth, the remainder of the unerupted tooth is exposed during a surgical procedure. This allows access to the tooth so that it can be lifted out of the supporting structures around the tooth. If the extraction is more difficult, the tooth may be removed in separate portions. Following the removal, sutures may be placed if necessary. The sutures used at our San Diego dental office are soluble and dissolve on their own after several days so there is no need to return to the office to have the sutures removed.
Recovery
After wisdom tooth surgery we ask our patients to get plenty of rest. You will need to have a friend or family member escort you to your appointment and take you home after your treatment. Gauze is applied to the surgical site to prevent blood flow, and should be changed out regularly. If for some reason bleeding persists longer than 24 hours you should notify our San Diego dental office in a timely manner. Keeping your head propped up and staying in a seated position will decrease any bleeding and aid in healing. An ice pack can be applied to the side of your face to relieve any swelling, and our dentist will also prescribe pain medication to you to help control any discomfort.
Following your surgery it is important to eat soft food such as:
Jello
Pudding
Yogurt
Ice Cream
Mashed Potatoes
Soups
Do not eat any food that requires chewing and avoid drinking out of a straw as this can hinder the clotting at the surgical site. Also avoid tobacco products and carbonated beverages.