Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is the most common oral surgery procedure performed on high school and college aged patients. Depending on how the teeth grow in, they can be painful, irritating or harmful to the adjacent teeth. Read on to learn about wisdom teeth and what to expect at your extraction appointment!

Wisdom teeth (or "third molars" in technical terms) are the last molars on the upper and lower arches of teeth, typically coming in between the ages of 17 and 20. They are the most common congenitally missing teeth, with 10-45% of the population missing at least one. When they erupt, wisdom teeth often grow in at angles that limit their usefulness in the mouth. In fact, they can increase the risk of decay and bone loss around adjacent teeth, depending on their position. 

Most dentists will recommend extraction of wisdom teeth if there is any sign of positioning problems or pain. Even if the teeth are "questionable," extraction is usually recommended if the patient is young and healthy. If you choose to wait until the teeth become infected or painful, there could be more complications with the procedure or recovery. In many cases, wisdom teeth will be impacted, or stuck beneath the gums and/or bone. Because of this, and because they are positioned so far in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are usually removed by an Oral Surgeon. Surgeons have the skills and instruments to remove more complicated teeth more quickly and with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. 

When you have you wisdom teeth removed, you will likely be given the option of being sedated for the procedure. No matter what type of sedation or anesthesia the surgeon uses, you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. Additionally, plan on missing work/school for the rest of that day and the following day for recovery (at a bare minimum). Your cheeks can be swollen for the first week after the procedure. Pain usually peaks at about two days after and begins feeling completely normal in about a week. As with any tooth extraction, keeping the socket clean and healthy for the first two weeks is crucial. No smoking, sucking on straws or spitting with force!

We refer all wisdom tooth extractions to our network of trusted oral surgeons. If you would like to discuss your referral or better understand the extraction process, feel free to give our office a call. We are always here to alleviate any dental concerns or fears!

Specialist Spotlight: Pacific Oral Surgery

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we are proud of the network of skilled dental specialists we have created. Whether you are in our office or one of our associates’ offices, know that you will be treated with respect, kindness and experience. Today, we would like to highlight Doctors James Jacobs and Sebastian Carlson of Pacific Oral Surgery!

Oral surgeons handle many dental treatments where the teeth and bones have to be modified or removed in an "operating room" environment. Most commonly, they are tasked with difficult extractions, implant placement and bone grafts. Beyond these, oral surgeons perform a wide array of corrective jaw surgeries for cosmetic and developmental concerns.  Doctors Jacobs and Carlson are well skilled in all these disceplines and bring both expertise and the latest technology to every procedure.

Doctors Jacobs and Carlson are both active members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the California Dental Association. They operate out of offices in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Ventura to best serve you locally. With your referral, make sure to check out their website for a comprehensive list of pre-operative and post-operative instructions, along with articles on what to expect during your surgery. If you have any more questions or would like to know more about your referral, please give our office a call!

Website: http://www.pacificoralsurgeon.com/

Phone Number: 805-497-8571 (Thousand Oaks Location)

Address: (Thousand Oaks Location)

 

Wisdom Teeth

For most patients, wisdom teeth represent something between a minor inconvenience and a major headache. Otherwise known as third molars, they usually erupt around the age of eighteen, though the exact time frame is variable. They are the most commonly congenitally missing tooth, with many patients having three, two or none. Wisdom teeth also commonly exhibit abnormal anatomy, such as extra cusps or small size.

The most common problem associated with wisdom teeth is impacted eruption. Here, as the molars erupt they contact the adjacent teeth, preventing them from growing into their anatomically correct positions. This becomes a problem as they create cavity prone food traps, which can lead to infection or damage to the second molars. Even if the wisdom teeth grow in properly, they are difficult to keep clean and commonly develop decay. Typically, dentists will not place large fillings or crowns on wisdom teeth, but rather recommend extraction.  

Wisdom teeth are usually extracted by oral surgeons, due to their position in the back of the mouth and tricky anatomy. The roots of third molars can touch or wrap around the inferior alveolar nerve, making nerve damage to the teeth, gums and chin a possible complication. In the United States, wisdom teeth are usually taken out under sedation, so that the patient is more comfortable throughout the procedure. However, this is not a necessary part of their removal.

A referral for wisdom teeth extraction is usually made by a general dentist after a full check-up and necessary x-rays. The oral surgeon will typically have one consultation appointment for an exam and panoramic x-ray and another for the actual surgery. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth or any other part of your oral health, please call our office to schedule an appointment.