Extracting Third Molars
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow into our dental arch. As the final and third set of molars at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth do not usually have enough room to grow properly, which can result in a number of oral health problems. Oral surgeons and dental professionals everywhere agree that if wisdom teeth need to be removed, it is best to do so in the mid to late teens. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we encourage all patients who have been told they need their wisdom teeth removal to schedule a consultation at our office in Salinas, CA.
Often, wisdom teeth grow beneath the surface, creating problems before a patient knows they exist. A routine dental visit can assist in identifying wisdom teeth early and tracking their growth pattern. Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe are experts in the evaluation and removal of third molars and look forward to providing every patient with a comfortable and pleasant surgical experience.
Why Extract Wisdom Teeth?
Third molars begin erupting from beneath the gums at an early age and usually finish developing during the early twenties. It is extremely common for wisdom teeth to become impacted, or trapped beneath the gums because they don’t have enough room to grow properly. When they only partially grow into the mouth, they become difficult to clean and are susceptible to infection. A few of the popular complications of wisdom teeth before an extraction include the following:
- Dental crowding is a common issue associated with impacted teeth. When wisdom teeth can’t grow into the mouth and get trapped beneath the gums, they may search for a new growth track. As a result, they can grow toward the second molars, pushing them forward and disrupting the dental arch.
- Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that occurs when teeth and the surrounding gums are not properly cleaned. The teeth can begin to loosen and result in tooth loss when not adequately treated.
- Cysts and tumors are unwanted growths that may cause serious oral problems. The area around the wisdom teeth is very difficult to clean and bacteria trapped in their deep pockets can cause these issues. When left untreated, they can cause pain, tooth loss, and jaw bone loss.
Some patients have one or two wisdom teeth, some develop all four, and some grow more than four wisdom teeth. This inconsistency makes it extremely important to detect third molars early and prevent many of the problems associated with wisdom teeth.
Sign & Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
- Pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth: Wisdom teeth often lead to discomfort as they try to push through the gums, ranging from a dull ache to sharp pain.
- Swollen or irritated gums: The gums surrounding wisdom teeth may become inflamed, tender, or red, indicating irritation or infection.
- Jaw stiffness or trouble opening your mouth: Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can create pressure on nearby areas, leading to stiffness in the jaw or difficulty fully opening your mouth.
- Unpleasant breath or taste: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, causing bad breath or a lingering foul taste.
- Shifting or crowding of teeth: As wisdom teeth try to emerge, they can push neighboring teeth, leading to crowding or shifting, which may alter your smile or bite.
- Sinus pressure or pain: Upper wisdom teeth located close to the sinuses can lead to discomfort or pressure, particularly if they are impacted or infected.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult with an oral surgeon at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
To begin the process, every patient will meet with Dr. Lewis, Dr. Lloyd, or Dr. LaMothe for an initial consultation. During this appointment, we will complete a thorough oral examination and medical history review, and take any necessary 3D scans to diagnose the position and size of impacted teeth. These precise images ensure that our doctors have all the information they need for an accurate, safe, and efficient procedure. We will also present patients with their options for anesthesia during the consultation and assist in selecting the type of sedation which best meets each patient’s preference. Many patients prefer to rest comfortably during the procedure and select IV sedation.
Before surgery, we will provide every patient with important care instructions to follow before and after surgery. Following these instructions will not only ensure your safety during the procedure, but they will also assist in providing an efficient and comfortable recovery. It is critical that every patient fully understands these instructions before proceeding with the surgery.
On the day of the procedure, please have a responsible adult drive to and from the office. After administering the agreed upon anesthesia, the surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom teeth and suture the gums at the surgical site. The number and position of the third molars in the mouth will often determine how long the surgery will take. The first few days of recovery following the procedure will be the most involved, but patients can expect gradual positive improvement as the week progresses.
Types of Anesthesia
Selecting the right anesthesia option for treatment is an important decision, so we keep patients informed of their options. Below, we have listed the types of anesthesia most commonly used in oral surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Salinas, CA
At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we prioritize your oral health and recommend early removal of wisdom teeth to avoid complications before they arise. Dr. Lewis, Dr. Lloyd, and Dr. LaMothe remove wisdom teeth routinely in their practice in Salinas, CA, and treat patients of all ages, including young children and teens. If a general dentist has identified wisdom teeth in your mouth, or you are experiencing pain or discomfort near the back of your mouth, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation.
Stem Cell Banking at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery
Do you want to experience every possible benefit from your child’s wisdom teeth extraction? If you bank the stem cells stored in wisdom teeth, you can give yourself peace of mind when it comes to health issues in the future. With Stemodontics™, your wisdom teeth will be there when specialized cells in your body need to be replaced. Take a bet on your future health and talk to your team of dental professionals about banking stem cells today!
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"I was very nervous when I found out I had to get my wisdom teeth taken out. I heard my friends have stories where they were in pain for weeks after, and then once I got them taken out, I was really fine. I didn't feel much pain. With Dr. Lloyd, I trusted him and knew him already, so really he told me how it was all going to happen before, and then after I got them taken out, he was really there. He called to check up on me for the next couple days and made me really comfortable. My recovery was very fast. I got them taken out on a Friday, and then I was back to baseball practice on that Monday, so I was fine within a couple days. The staff was great. From my consultation, I met the ladies, and they were all great the whole time. They were all very comforting. Definitely, I would recommend the oral surgery. It took me out of pain right away, and it was just very relieving once I got it done."
"Hi, I'm Franz, and I live in Carmel, and I came to this practice to get my wisdom teeth out. When I first walked in here, I felt very welcome. The staff here were very helpful. They could answer any questions I had about what they were going to do. Everyone was extremely nice, and I just felt at home. The doctors here are very professional and friendly. My procedure went very fast and was very seamless. My recovery was pretty quick. This healthy smile feels great. I would highly recommend MOSA Oral Surgery to all my friends and family. It's a great family environment, very friendly, just great for all ages."
"I came to see Dr. Lloyd to get my wisdom teeth out. So, I came in here the morning of at 8 a.m., and they had me sit here for about 20 minutes just to calm me down, and then they took me back, and we talked for a few minutes. My mom came with me, and they just started making jokes, making me laugh while they were doing all the prepping, and then they put the needles in, and then I woke up, and I was fine. The way that they treat you is like family. It's like a giant Italian family here. Everyone is so sweet, and they're all funny, and they always crack jokes to make you just less stressed about the whole process. Dr. Lloyd — opening up to him and just talking to him about it, you can tell that he's a really soft person, and he's hilarious. I'd recommend MOSA Oral Surgery."
"My wisdom tooth, off and on, was acting up. I couldn't eat on the right side because the wisdom tooth was embedded underneath another tooth. Dr. Lewis, I think, is most professional. His staff was also very helpful. I had no more pain afterwards – none whatsoever. In today's world, we forget that there are doctors like Dr. Lewis that make sure that the patient, at least I, was well taken care of."
"I came here to see Dr. Lloyd to get my wisdom teeth extracted. I was nervous about getting my wisdom teeth extracted. All my friends did not have the best experience. My procedure was effortless and easy. Dr. Lloyd was a great surgeon, and he treated me with a lot of care and respect. The people at MOSA Oral Surgery reassured me about my wisdom teeth extraction by getting it over quickly without having me dwell on it, and that was actually really helpful. For any of my friends in Carmel, Monterey, or even Salinas needed their wisdom teeth taken out, I would refer them to MOSA Oral Surgery."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a dry socket after tooth extraction?
A dry socket can develop following tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves too soon, leaving the bone exposed. This can lead to significant discomfort and delay healing. If you think you might have a dry socket, it's important to contact MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery for an evaluation and appropriate care.
2. What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery process after wisdom teeth extraction varies, but it’s common to experience some swelling, discomfort, and light bleeding for a few days. Following the post-op care instructions from your surgeon is essential for a smooth recovery. Avoid activities like vigorous rinsing, using straws, or smoking, as they can cause complications. You may be given pain medication to manage discomfort and should use ice packs to minimize swelling.
3. What happens if wisdom teeth erupt while I have braces?
If your wisdom teeth begin to erupt while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, they can interfere with the alignment of your teeth. Your orthodontist will monitor the situation and may refer you to an oral surgeon, such as Dr. Lewis, Dr. Lloyd, and Dr. LaMothe at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, for wisdom tooth removal to maintain the success of your braces treatment.
4. How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Salinas, CA?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on several factors, such as the difficulty of the extraction, the number of teeth involved, and your insurance coverage. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we provide individualized cost estimates based on your unique case. We’re committed to clear pricing and will help you understand all the expenses involved.
The Central Coast’s Premier Oral Surgery Practice
MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery proudly serves Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding communities by providing quality oral surgery services that can change lives. Whether you need a simple extraction or a complex procedure, we are ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We invite you to take the first step toward enhanced oral health and contact our office to schedule a consultation today.