Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Luis Obispo
Say Goodbye to Painful Wisdom Teeth – Get Ready for a Comfortable Recovery!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth.
They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars.
Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time that is traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom – hence the name “wisdom teeth”.
Impacted Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth):
This video shows you the multiple ways a wisdom tooth can become impacted when there is not enough room for it to emerge.
Surgical Extraction of Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth):
This video shows you how a wisdom tooth is removed using anesthesia and hand instruments
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If your wisdom teeth do not fit in your mouth, you may have to have them removed.
Wisdom teeth become impacted when they cannot come out of the gums like other teeth because there is not enough space in the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth cannot be used for chewing and cannot be cleaned properly. It is best to have your wisdom teeth extracted when you are between 12 and 13 or in your early twenties.
It’s important to get them out before you turn 30, or else the following problems can occur:
Infection:
Pericoronitis is a gum infection that can cause pain, swelling, and problems with eating if the wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to fully emerge.
Cyst Formation:
If you don’t get your wisdom teeth taken out when you’re a teenager, you could get a cyst. It’s like a balloon that gets bigger and bigger hurting your other teeth. Sometimes it can even develop into a tumor, although this is very rare.
Possible Crowding:
Having too many teeth in your mouth can cause crowding. Sometimes when you get braces, your teeth can become crowded again. This may be because of impacted wisdom teeth that don’t come in all the way
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
Sometimes when a wisdom tooth grows in, there isn’t enough room around it. This can cause problems for the tooth in front of it and can result in gum disease, bone loss, and decay.
What To Expect on the Day Wisdom Teeth Get Removed
Getting your wisdom teeth removed does not have to be a scary experience. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide several types of anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable. The removal takes about 30 to 60 minutes but expects to be in the office for 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours). You will be given medication to reduce pain after the procedure.
Please have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment and accompany you during the first 24 hours after surgery.
What To Expect After Your Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
After having surgery, it is important to take the medications prescribed and follow the instructions given by your doctor.
If you get stitches, they usually dissolve within 3 to 5 days.
Your gums may feel swollen, and you may need pain medication after the local anesthesia wears off.
Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication.
You should drink plenty of water and eat a soft foods diet such as:
- Applesauce
- Smoothies (without seeds)
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft cooked pasta
- Mashed Potatoes
- And Ice Cream!
Click here for more after surgery instructions.
