Wisdom Tooth Removal in San Diego, CA

All About Third Molars

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in the mouth around the age of 17. People can have between one and four, more than four, or none at all. In general, wisdom teeth removal procedures are quick and easy. If you undergo IV sedation for this procedure, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home after the surgery. Wisdom teeth are removed by an oral surgeon, who is extensively trained in the safe administration of anesthesia and complex surgical procedures.

Wisdom teeth rarely develop without causing problems. Third molars can lead to serious and costly problems in the future that jeopardize oral health. When a wisdom tooth grows sideways and cannot break through the gums, it is considered to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth must be removed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon because it will not properly erupt into the dental arch on its own.

Leaving wisdom teeth untreated can cause:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Infections

• Tumors

• Cysts

• Impaction

• Misalignment of other teeth

• Gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay

  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to perform complex surgical procedures, such as the removal of wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they require precise surgical interventions that oral surgeons can perform.

  In addition to the surgery itself, oral surgeons are the only dental professionals qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia. This includes local anesthesia, laughing gas, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. IV sedation is the most common form of anesthesia for wisdom teeth surgery. We offer all of these options for anesthesia and sedation at The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego.

  Why Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

  Wisdom teeth are not needed for your mouth to function properly. Left untreated, wisdom teeth can pose a threat to your oral and overall health. It is rare for a wisdom tooth to develop and erupt without causing complications. This is why many dental professionals recommend having them extracted.

When Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

You should have your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible. We recommend having them extracted during the early teen years, but wisdom teeth can be removed at any time. Younger patients often have faster recoveries, and the surgery itself is easier because the teeth have not yet fully developed.

Wisdom Teeth Removal as an Adult

Although it’s recommended to have third molars extracted early, you can have them removed at any age. If the wisdom teeth have been left untreated for many years, they have likely fully developed and are more embedded in the jaw bone. By not undergoing this surgery sooner, the wisdom teeth may have damaged nearby teeth or pushed them out of alignment.

Adult patients may notice sudden pain or infection caused by their untreated wisdom teeth. If you have wisdom teeth, regardless of your age, you should have them removed by an oral surgeon to prevent complications and protect your overall health.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Diego, CA

If a wisdom tooth becomes stuck beneath the gums, it is considered to be impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth will not naturally erupt into the dental arch. It grows at an angle instead of straight up or down and can push against the adjacent molar.

Whereas an erupted wisdom tooth is simply removed using forceps, an impacted wisdom tooth requires surgical removal. Your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, then remove it. The tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.

In some cases, a general dentist can extract a wisdom tooth that has erupted, similar to a simple tooth extraction. For impacted wisdom teeth or multiple teeth that need to be removed, the dentist will refer the patient to an oral surgeon.

Third Molar Extractions: What to Expect

During your consultation, one of our board-certified surgeons Dr. Koshgerian or Dr. Shelton will discuss your oral health goals and design a solution based on your needs. Wisdom teeth removal procedures are generally quick and easy, and many patients undergo general anesthesia, which requires a responsible adult to drive them home after the surgery.

We will provide you with post-operative instructions, which outlines everything you need to know about your recovery, the recommended diet to follow, and how to maintain oral hygiene. You can expect to rest for the first 24 hours. Post-surgical pain can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. During the healing process, be sure to brush your teeth gently around the extraction sites and rinse your mouth to prevent food buildup.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal in San Diego, CA

The cost of having your wisdom teeth extracted varies for each patient. When determining the cost for your procedure, we take into consideration the number of wisdom teeth you need removed, if any are impacted, your choice of anesthesia, and your dental insurance. We will discuss each of these items in detail and provide you with a cost estimate for your wisdom tooth removal prior to performing surgery.

Bank Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth

In general, wisdom teeth are healthy teeth that are removed only because there is not enough room for them. They contain an abundance of natural stem cells. These cells can differentiate into different types of cells your body needs, such as blood, tissue, organ, and bone. After having wisdom teeth removed, you can bank your wisdom teeth stem cells in a secure lab for potential future use.

At The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego, both Dr. Koshgerian and Dr. Shelton are Stemodontics^® certified and offer stem cell banking services to patients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. By banking your stem cells now, you are investing in your future health. Learn more about stem cells or visit the official Stemodontics website to enroll in stem cell banking today!