Wisdom Tooth Extraction– Laguna Niguel, CA
Protect Your Smile from Future Complications
Your wisdom teeth are the final set of permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth, and they’re called “wisdom” teeth because they develop typically between the ages of 17 and 25. This is also usually when most people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed. This is because despite their name, wisdom teeth often cause more harm than good if left alone. They can cause mouth pain, infections, and even damage to your other teeth! Fortunately, we can protect your smile from future complications with a quick and efficient wisdom tooth extraction in Laguna Niguel. Read on to learn more and give us a call today to schedule your next appointment!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that humans can develop. Your molars are the wide and flat teeth at the back of your mouth, used primarily for grinding up food for easier digestion. However, today’s food requires less grinding and chewing, so we no longer need a third set of molars. Now, most people don’t have enough room in their jaw to fit wisdom teeth. Some people may not even develop these third molars at all!
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Unfortunately, for those of us who do develop some or all our wisdom teeth, extraction is often necessary. A wisdom tooth may become trapped underneath the gumline, or it may become stuck halfway through emerging. Not only can this cause quite a bit of discomfort, but it creates a space that collects bacteria, which can lead to infection. Wisdom teeth will often also come in at an angle, bumping up against nearby teeth and putting pressure on them, which can cause damage and bite misalignment.
What to Expect From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth can be extracted in a few different ways depending on how developed the molars are. Unlike other dental practices, we do not need to refer our patients to a specialist to remove impacted wisdom teeth. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect and what you should do to prepare beforehand. Then, on the day of your extraction, we’ll numb your mouth and likely give you a type of dental sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, we’ll remove the tooth with specialized tools depending on if it’s impacted or not.
Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After your appointment, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home, where you should plan on relaxing for the rest of the day. Most patients will need at least a day or two to recover from wisdom tooth extraction, which includes resting, sticking to a soft food diet, and practicing excellent oral hygiene. Common symptoms like slight bleeding, swelling, and discomfort should fade after several days, but don’t hesitate to contact us if they persist any longer.
