Wisdom Teeth Removal Services
Mouth guards can reduce the risk of complications and preserve your smile if you have obstructive sleep apnea, grind your teeth, or play contact sports. At Las Positas Family Dental in Livermore, California, Thi Hoang, DDS, Theresa Hoang, DDS, and the team regularly fabricate mouth guards for a variety of applications. Call Las Positas Family Dental to make an appointment or book one online today.
Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?
It depends. The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last of your permanent teeth to come in. Because they break through your gum line several years after your other teeth, they’re more likely to become impacted (or blocked). Impacted wisdom teeth increase the risk of infection and other more serious problems.
If the Las Positas Family Dental team determines you have impacted wisdom teeth or they are coming in at an unusual angle, they might recommend intervention.
Who should consider wisdom teeth removal?
Schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation at Las Positas Family Dental if you have any of the following symptoms:
Cavities in one or more wisdom teeth
Damage to the nearby teeth or the surrounding bone
Pain near the back of your mouth
Gum disease, particularly around your molars
If your wisdom tooth gets infected, you might develop a cyst (fluid-filled sac) near the affected molar.
How do I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is an oral surgery, so the team completes a preoperative exam first.
During your appointment, your dentist completes an oral exam, takes digital X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth, and discusses your sedation options with you.
The team typically performs wisdom teeth extraction with local anesthesia, but they also offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Let your surgeon know about any vitamins or medications you take, as certain classes of drugs can interfere with the anesthesia.
Depending on the anesthesia used for the procedure, you may need someone to drive you home. It’s a good idea to check with the Las Positas Family Dental team to determine if you need a driver so you can plan your procedure and aftercare accordingly.
What happens during wisdom teeth removal surgery?
Your Las Positas Family Dental provider administers a local anesthetic, numbing your teeth and gums. Then, they expose your impacted wisdom teeth with small incisions and carefully loosen and lift them from their sockets.
Your provider cleans the sockets, stitches them closed, and provides you with aftercare instructions. Most wisdom tooth removal procedures take 90 minutes or less.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
After wisdom teeth removal, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, increased sensitivity, and bleeding.
The team gives you instructions to relieve these side effects and reduce the risk of infection. Follow their instructions carefully and take any medications as prescribed.
Call Las Positas Family Dental to schedule wisdom teeth removal, or book your visit online today.