Wisdom Teeth Removal | Redding, CA
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 traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
Do You Or A Loved One Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Our caring staff is here to help you if you have any questions.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
What is an impacted tooth?
Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, their jaws are often too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting, they are called impacted wisdom teeth. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.
Types Of Impactions
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate tooth cleaning.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Soft Tissue
Partial Bony
Complete BonyWisdom Teeth Removal Process
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Burlingame and Dr. Suarez can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated by their dentist, orthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in their mid-teen years.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Do You Or A Loved One Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Our caring staff is here to help you if you have any questions.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to erupt fully, several problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients, it is as early as 12 or 13; in others, it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include the following:
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem is pericoronitis (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop due to impacted teeth and slowly expand, destroying adjacent jaw bones and, occasionally, teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with delayed wisdom teeth removal.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to the crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth, and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. Several factors cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected, resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As you age, wisdom tooth removal can become more difficult. The roots grow longer and the bone becomes denser, which can lead to longer healing times and higher risks of complications. It’s usually easier and safer to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your teens or early twenties. If they aren’t causing problems, some doctors may recommend waiting until issues like cysts or gum disease arise, but healing is generally smoother when you’re younger.
What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people choose to be sedated for comfort during the procedure. You’ll discuss anesthesia options during your consultation. The surgery usually takes 30–60 minutes, and you’ll be at the office for about 90 minutes total. You must not eat or drink for at least 6 hours beforehand, or the procedure may be rescheduled.
You’ll likely be given medications to reduce pain and swelling, and a responsible adult must accompany you and stay with you afterward. If sedation is used, an IV will be placed in your arm, and local anesthesia will keep you comfortable. You’ll feel drowsy for the rest of the day. Modern techniques help promote quick healing and reduce discomfort.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
What should I expect after surgery?
If you get stitches, they’ll usually dissolve on their own in 3–5 days. Swollen gums or a pulling sensation is normal and should go away in a few days.
Once the numbness fades, you might need pain relief. Start with ibuprofen (Advil®) to see if it works before using any prescription meds. The numbness may last until the next day—this is normal and not a sign of nerve damage.
Begin with clear liquids like broth or Jell-O and slowly add soft foods as you feel better. Avoid dairy (like yogurt or milkshakes) on surgery day, since it can cause nausea with anesthesia or pain meds.
If you’re prescribed antibiotics and take birth control pills, know that the antibiotics may make the pills less effective. Use backup protection.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost depends on how complex the surgery is and the type of anesthesia you need. After your consultation and X-rays, you’ll get a detailed cost estimate. Insurance coverage varies, but the office staff will help you understand and maximize your benefits.
What if I have questions before surgery?
Your surgeon will go over everything during your consultation. If you think of more questions later, just call the office at 530-223-1811—a patient care coordinator will be happy to help.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.