Wisdom Tooth Extraction San Diego

Wisdom tooth extraction is a commonly performed oral surgery procedure done to remove one or more of your so called “wisdom teeth.” These wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are located in the back corners of your mouth, with one on each side, top and bottom, for a total of 4 wisdom teeth in the back of your mouth. These are permanent adult teeth that are the last to develop and emerge in your mouth. Typically these four teeth come in during the late teens and early twenties, a time in one’s life that was referred to as the “Age of Wisdom,” hence the name: Wisdom Teeth.

Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

There are several reasons why you should consider removal of your wisdom teeth even if you have no symptoms of wisdom tooth impaction.

• Wisdom teeth can grow, emerge, erupt, impact, or even get trapped under the gum. All scenarios which can bring about pain and other complications.
• Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when you are younger as your roots have not completely formed. This allows for removal with minimal risk to the surrounding structures.
• The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the wisdom tooth erupts and/or becomes impacted causing severe pain and other complications.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth and leaving it in the mouth can cause damage to the surrounding teeth, cyst formation or infection.

Wisdom Teeth Removal:

Following a thorough evaluation of your oral cavity, which will include x-rays, it can be determined if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Dr. Talebzadeh will discuss your options and the accompanying details of the procedure with you so you know what to expect. Any questions may be discussed at this time and you will be asked about any disease or disorders you have been diagnosed with as well as any medications you are taking.

How your wisdom teeth will be removed depends on the position of the tooth and whether or not it has erupted, along with any complications it has caused. An impacted wisdom tooth is much more complicated to remove than a unimpacted wisdom tooth. In general there are 3 different options when it comes to your wisdom tooth extraction:

• Local Anesthesia
• Intravenous Sedation
• General Anesthesia

Dr. Talebzadeh will discuss all potential options for your specific case with you and recommend the anesthetic option that would be best. In the overwhelming majority of cases, wisdom teeth can be removed with little to no pain.

Recovery Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction:

Your recovery following wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most important components of the process. By following all instructions given by Dr. Talebzadeh and his staff, you can minimize the chance of potential complications occurring. Immediately after the procedure you should expect some swelling and bleeding. You will rest in the office until you are cleared by Dr. Talebzadeh. You will need someone to drive you home as you may still be under the affects of the anesthesia.

Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical area to absorb any potential bleeding. These pads should be changed after 30 minutes if bleeding continues. Avoid rigorous mouth rinsing and pressing or touching on the surgical area as this may dislodge the forming blood clot. Medications will be prescribed to manage pain and swelling which should be taken as directed. It is recommended that after your procedure you return home to rest for the remainder of the day. You can resume normal activities when you feel comfortable doing so. You should be on a “soft diet” for a few days after surgery. This means eating only soft foods such as yogurt and mashed potatoes and drinking liquids. Avoid foods that can get caught in your wounds such as popcorn, corn, and other similar foods. A follow-up appointment will be made for Dr. Talebzadeh to monitor your recovery.

Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation for wisdom tooth extraction with one of San Diego’s top Oral Surgeon’s, Dr. Nojan Talebzadeh.