Wisdom tooth extraction: why it is done and what to expect

The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically begin to erupt in a person’s late teenage years or early twenties. While they can grow normally with no problems, many people need to have them removed due to a lack of sufficient space in the mouth. At Royal Dental Practice inWest Hills, California, we can evaluate you or your child to determine whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. If so, perform the extraction using the latest dental techniques and sedation options to ensure comfort and relaxation throughout the procedure.   

Why wisdom teeth can be problematic

Wisdom teeth need to be removed in approximately 85 percent of people. Why is this number so high? Simply put, we don’t really need them for proper oral function, and most people do not have enough space in their mouths for the teeth to grow in a healthy way.

• In some cases, the wisdom teeth begin erupting but may grow in sideways or begin pushing the other teeth out of the way, causing issues with misalignment and bite problems
• In other cases, the wisdom teeth become impacted, which means that they do not fully emerge. If the teeth are not removed, this can cause gum pain, infections, cysts, and other oral health problems.

What to expect during wisdom tooth removal

The process for removing wisdom teeth differs based on whether the teeth have become impacted. For wisdom teeth that have emerged, the procedure is not much different than a normal tooth extraction. We will use the proper type of sedation and anesthetic necessary for your specific circumstances, and the time taken for the surgery will typically depend on the complexity of the procedure. We will provide you with all of the information you need to prepare for the surgery, such as avoiding certain medications that can thin the blood, along with ample post-surgical care instructions to help ensure proper healing and recovery. We may also prescribe pain medications as needed to reduce discomfort in the days after your surgery.

To schedule a consultation about you or your child’s wisdom teeth, call Dr. Roya Shoffet at Royal Dental Practice today at (818) 334-6655.