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 in 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.
Wisdom Teeth Procedure
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.
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!