Dental Implants Extracting Third Molars Protects Your Oral Health
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, often start to appear during the late teens or early twenties, although some people don't develop them until closer to age 30. The average adult mouth does not have room to house an extra set of molars, which is why dentists and oral surgeons recommend having these teeth extracted as soon as possible.
At Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants, we perform wisdom tooth removal for teens and adults of all ages. Dr. Aynechi is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician and has many years of experience managing third molar cases and improving patients' health. There are many anesthesia and sedation options available to ensure your comfort during surgery, and we will walk you through every step so you feel informed and at ease throughout your care. If you or your child need wisdom teeth removed, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
When there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth, they can cause many health complications as they try to squeeze into the dental arch. Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing misalignment or bite problems. When there are too many teeth in the mouth, it can be difficult to properly brush and floss around every tooth. This increases the risk of infection, cavities, and tooth decay.
Impacted wisdom teeth should be extracted as soon as possible. An impacted tooth is one that is stuck beneath the gums. Impacted teeth may grow sideways, damage adjacent teeth, cause cysts or tumors to grow around the tooth, gum disease, and more. Surgical removal is necessary to treat impacted wisdom teeth because they cannot erupt on their own.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
Many people experience pain or pressure that occurs when wisdom teeth erupt. However, wisdom teeth do not always cause pain or noticeable symptoms. Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing discomfort, they could be slowly damaging surrounding teeth and their roots. You may not notice misalignment right away, but as time progresses, wisdom teeth may cause a significant shift in your bite and the way your teeth are aligned.
Call our office to schedule an appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms, as it may be time to remove your wisdom teeth:
- Pain or pressure in the back of your mouth
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty fully opening your mouth
- Ongoing bad breath, even after brushing
- A bad taste in your mouth
It's important to attend regular dental appointments. Your general dentist checks for wisdom teeth and will refer you to an oral surgeon when it's time to have them removed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Consultation
At the consultation, Dr. Aynechi will examine your oral health, take 3D scans of your teeth, and create a plan to extract your wisdom teeth. Our office is equipped with advanced imaging and surgical technology to provide our patients with safer and more comfortable surgical experiences, such as 3D and intraoral scanners, a 3D printer, and anesthesia machines. Prior to surgery, we will walk you through every step of your procedure so you know what to expect.
The right type of anesthesia will depend on your level of anxiety and the complexity of your procedure. We offer local anesthesia, laughing gas, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Most often, we use IV sedation for wisdom tooth extraction. This form of sedation will render you into a sleep-like state. You will drift in and out of sleep and likely not remember the procedure.
Procedure
On the day of your surgery, we will administer the anesthesia and wait for it to take effect. If a wisdom tooth has erupted through the gums, your surgeon will use forceps to extract it. If a wisdom tooth is impacted, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Sutures are placed as necessary and you will rest until the anesthesia wears off and you are ready to go home.
Recovery
When undergoing IV sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to stay in the office during your procedure and drive you home after. We will provide you with detailed instructions to follow after your procedure. They will include information on how to care for your surgical sites, how often to take pain medication, how to prevent dry socket, and more.
Many patients return to their normal routines a few days after their procedure. By following the instructions closely, you can ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Call our office if you have any questions or concerns at any point during your treatment.
Types of Anesthesia
There are many types of anesthesia and sedation available.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
There is no one flat rate for wisdom tooth extractions because every patient is a little different. During your first visit, we will provide a cost estimate for your oral surgery. Several factors contribute to this cost, such as:
- The complexity of your procedure
- Your choice of anesthesia
- Your dental/medical insurance
To find out how much your wisdom teeth removal would cost, contact Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment. Our staff will provide you with a cost estimate and walk you through your payment and financing options.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dr. Aynechi is an oral and maxillofacial surgery expert who will go above and beyond to make sure you and your family have an exceptional experience. To schedule your or your child's oral surgery consultation, please contact Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants. We proudly serve patients of all ages throughout Los Angeles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If the crown becomes damaged or worn down, you may require a replacement. The implant post itself fuses with your jaw bone and is designed to last a lifetime.
How do I prevent dry socket after tooth extraction?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot forming within an empty tooth socket becomes dislodged. This condition is quite painful because the underlying bone and nerves are exposed. To prevent dry socket, avoid using a straw and smoking for at least 72 hours after surgery. The sucking motion can disturb the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
Does it hurt to have wisdom teeth removed?
We use anesthesia or sedation for wisdom tooth surgery, so you will not experience pain during the procedure. If you are undergoing IV sedation, you will not be aware of the procedure as it is happening and likely have no memory of the surgery after the sedation wears off. After the procedure, some discomfort can be expected. You can manage pain by placing an ice pack on your face, getting lots of rest, and taking pain medications as directed by your surgeon.
How many days should I take off of work/school for wisdom teeth removal?
You should take at least a day or two off of work or school to have your wisdom teeth removed. Many patients return to work or school as soon as the day after surgery, but others require a few more days or up to a week to heal. Take the time you need so your surgical sites heal properly and you give your body the time it needs to recover.
Los Angeles’s Destination for Oral Surgery Excellence
Experience outstanding patient care from a team you can trust. Contact Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment and see how oral surgery can improve your health and confidence.