Apr
We at Royal Dental Practice get to know each of our patients. During routine check-ups, our dentist, Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian, stays on top of changes that can affect the health of patients’ mouths. She also uses advanced technologies to pinpoint early-stage problems safely. For instance, Dr. Shoffet may find among her teenage and young adult patients that their third molars are not erupting properly. In these cases, she may recommend the removal of the affected tooth (or teeth). Surgical extraction at our office in West Hills Los Angeles, California, is safe, comfortable, and straightforward.
The third molars located at the very back of our mouths are often referred to as “wisdom teeth.” They owe their name to the fact that the molars erupt or break through the gums later than any other teeth, and usually at around the life stage when individuals are “gaining wisdom” – between the ages of 17 and 25. Since these are the last teeth to develop, there is frequently inadequate room in modern human mouths for them to surface properly. In turn, the teeth tend to grow at an angle. If they do otherwise erupt properly, they may still become trapped or “impacted” in the jawbone.
Impaction produces unsavory side effects, from intense and painful pressure to jaw and gum swelling to a persistent foul taste and bad breath. Furthermore, if the affected tooth is not dealt with properly, it can lead to many complications, including damage to neighboring teeth.
As a provider of proactive dentistry, Dr. Shoffet prevents toothaches and other undesirable side effects and complications. She can see the writing on the wall during routine exams and may suggest that a wisdom tooth be removed or extracted upon confirming that it is not erupting properly. The rule of thumb is that every effort is made to preserve natural teeth, with the exception of wisdom teeth. Like the tailbone or appendix, wisdom teeth are evolutionary relics. Due to changes in our anatomy and diets over time, modern humans no longer need wisdom teeth to break down their food adequately.
Prior to your appointment, we can discuss sedative options to keep you relaxed throughout treatment. We also administer precision anesthetic for utmost comfort, so you don’t feel anything. Once the impacted tooth has been accessed, we use special instruments to loosen the tooth. We may be able to lift it from its socket as one piece, or for ease of extraction, Dr. Shoffet may remove the tooth in smaller pieces. All of our techniques are gentle, using a light touch.
We provide clear instructions on how to care for the extraction site well before the day of your surgery. Due to the lingering effects of dental sedation, it is necessary to arrange for transportation to and from our office. Generally, take great care not to mess with the treatment site. Avoid any behaviors that can dislodge the clot that forms in the socket where the tooth used to be. Such precautions prevent complications like painful dry sockets.
Get into a healthy habit today! Call (818) 334-6655 to schedule an appointment at Royal Dental Practice’s West Hills office. Or, for your convenience, ask us about our mobile dentistry services.
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