WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION
Your wisdom teeth, true to their name, take years to mature and come in behind your molars. When they arrive, they can impinge on a nerve or bone and cause pain. If that describes your predicament, visit Dr. Steven Charng. He routinely removes wisdom teeth at UDental in Arcadia, California. To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, call or use the online booking tool and set up a consultation today.
What are my wisdom teeth?
Your wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge. They get their name because they come in when you reach a more mature age, usually around 20.
But since your other adult teeth are already set when the wisdom teeth pop up, there isn’t always space for them. If that happens, wisdom teeth removal might be necessary.
As wisdom teeth try to make their way up through your gum tissue, they can crowd your neighboring teeth and make it harder to floss in the back of your mouth. Furthermore, they can cause:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Jaw stiffness
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Infection
Do I need my wisdom teeth pulled?
If you notice symptoms that are typical of having impacted, or blocked, wisdom teeth, let Dr. Charng evaluate you to see if your wisdom teeth need to come out. If they’re causing you pain and discomfort, undergoing the procedure is a worthwhile investment.
Getting one or more of your wisdom teeth removed is a common and simple procedure. However, in situations where your wisdom teeth are fully impacted and impinge on nerves, Dr. Charng can refer you to a specially qualified oral surgeon.
How does a wisdom tooth extraction work?
Dr. Charng uses local anesthesia to numb your mouth during a wisdom tooth extraction. When your wisdom teeth are embedded in bone, he creates tiny incisions in your gums and extracts your teeth in small sections. This process limits the amount of bone that Dr. Charng has to remove.
When Dr. Charng has finished removing your wisdom teeth, he has you bite down on gauze for about 20 minutes to control the bleeding.
How long will I need to recover from having a wisdom tooth extracted?
You may need up to a week to fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. It’s normal to feel swelling and pain, so make sure you get plenty of rest and stick to a diet of soft foods, such as juice smoothies. You should avoid any solid foods or hot beverages during the first day following surgery.
Dr. Charng also monitors your progress and advises you how to ease your recovery as much as possible.
If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, call or use the online booking tool and schedule a consultation today.