Third molars, or wisdom teeth, can cause dental issues while developing. These issues could include pain, infections, and even bone loss. Extracting them early enough helps avoid major dental problems and improve oral hygiene.

If you are experiencing pain or have issues with your wisdom teeth, have them extracted by an experienced dentist. At Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, we are experienced in safely removing wisdom teeth. Schedule an appointment with us today.

An Overview of The Third Molar Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction involves surgically removing one or more third molars (wisdom teeth). These teeth are known as ‘late bloomers’ because they develop when one is in their teenage hood, specifically between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, however, they may not cause any problems. For others, their characteristic of developing late can lead to severe issues. They may become impacted, grow at an incorrect angle, or partially erupt, causing pain, inflammation, and infection.

Wisdom tooth extraction is essential to safeguard oral health when the third molar poses risks such as overcrowding, damage to adjacent teeth, or infections. Removing these teeth may save you from future dental issues and keep your teeth healthy.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

For many, wisdom teeth are considered a nuisance rather than functional. Failure to remove them could result in several general health and dental complications. However, for some, they might not cause any problems or pain but can be a factor for future dental issues. Removing them before symptoms can prevent dental problems and safeguard oral health. Some of the reasons you could consider having your third molar extracted include the following:

  • Misalignment of Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth emerge, growing at odd angles, bent toward or away from adjacent teeth, we call them misaligned teeth. These positions can be problematic because they exert lateral pressure on the neighboring teeth. This could lead to crowding, injury, or a carefully aligned smile shifting.

Misalignment also makes teeth more challenging to clean, which could increase the risk of decay and gum disease. Extracting misaligned teeth could help relieve all these dental problems, resulting in a beautiful smile.

  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that partially erupts or is unable to emerge entirely through the gum. This condition creates a breach where bacteria can thrive in partially erupted wisdom teeth, leading to infections or dental carries. For an impacted wisdom tooth that has not erupted entirely, a tumor or cyst could develop, leading to infection in the jawbone cavity.

Common symptoms of impacted teeth are:

  • Jaw pain
  • Swollen gum
  • Bad breath even after brushing
  • Inflammation of the bone around the impacted teeth

If left untreated, it could lead to severe consequences such as abscesses or injury to adjacent teeth.

  • Prevents Infection and Inflammation

Partially impacted teeth or fully impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of pockets that harbor bacteria. This could cause inflammation and infections in the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth. This condition is known as pericoronitis and often leads to swelling and even pain while chewing food.

Left untreated, it could spread to other tissues or into the bloodstream, leading to systemic diseases such as diabetes. It can also lead to chronic periodontitis, which can result in bone and tooth loss. Removing wisdom teeth minimizes these risks and eliminates the breeding source of the bacteria.

  • Prevents Overcrowding of Teeth

Wisdom teeth can push through your dental arch. If there is insufficient space to accommodate them, it could cause overcrowding. As they emerge through the gums, they push on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift out of alignment. This could undo years of orthodontic treatment or misalign your smile.

When the teeth are so close to each other, it becomes challenging to clean them. This could lead to cavities and gum diseases. By removing wisdom teeth before they erupt or begin to push adjacent teeth, you could prevent overcrowding.

  • Reduces the Risk of Injuring Adjacent Teeth

When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle or fail to erupt, they can exert constant pressure on the neighboring teeth. This causes the enamel on adjacent teeth to wear away, leading to the formation of cavities.

Impacted teeth also form pockets where food and bacteria can accumulate. This could cause tooth decay or gum diseases extending to neighboring teeth. In severe cases, you could experience bone loss on adjacent teeth.

When wisdom teeth are removed early, problems associated with crowded or damaged teeth are prevented. This could also help protect the well-being of adjacent teeth.

  • Reduces the Chances of Having a Cyst or Tumor

Impacted third molars can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors. These asymptomatic cysts exert pressure on adjacent structures, such as bones, nerves, and teeth. Over time, these cysts could weaken your jawbone, making it more susceptible to fractures.

In some cases, the cysts may turn into benign tumors requiring more extensive surgery. They could also damage your facial structures. Extraction of your wisdom teeth prevents the formation of cysts, helping you maintain the health of your jawbone and tissues.

  • Leads to Better Flossing and Cleaning Experience

Wisdom teeth grow in the farthest corners of your mouth, making them difficult to reach while brushing or flossing. Food particles and bacteria can quickly settle around these teeth, forming plaque. This can cause tooth decay and gum diseases.

When you have your wisdom removed, you eliminate these difficult-to-clean spots. This makes brushing and flossing much easier and decreases your chance of developing other dental issues.

  • Prevents Development of Diseases Related to Gum Inflammation

When wisdom teeth are constantly inflamed, bacteria penetrate the bloodstream, resulting in other body ailments. These include heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

Infected or inflamed wisdom teeth could lead to periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease releases inflammatory markers into the system, raising your risk for stroke and endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of your heart).

The extraction of wisdom teeth reduces the cause of constant inflammation. Therefore, the risk of acquiring other diseases related to inflammation is reduced. It also improves overall health.

  • Eliminates the Risk of Dental-Sinus Complications

Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw are located close to the maxillary sinuses. Maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces present behind your cheeks and above your upper teeth. When these wisdom teeth are impacted or erupt at an angle, they exert pressure on the sinus cavity. They can result in pain, congestion, or recurrent infections in the sinus.

At times, the roots of the third molars may go right down to the sinus region, which could lead to chronic pain or sinus headaches. Extracting your wisdom teeth will prevent dental sinus complications and keep your sinuses healthy.

  • Helps You Recover Faster and Smoothly

Having your wisdom teeth extracted before they cause any issues is beneficial since you will recover fast. However, you must undergo invasive procedures if the wisdom teeth are already impacted or infected. These invasive procedures could have postoperative complications such as excessive swelling, bleeding, or delayed healing.

Extraction is easier when the bone and soft tissues are not overly infected. Children are more likely to have a faster recovery period. Their bodies heal faster, and their bone density is more adaptable. Having your wisdom teeth extracted before any complications develop could help you return to your routine much sooner.

  • Gives You the Utmost Relief

Having your third molars extracted before they cause significant problems brings relief. You do not have to worry about the possibility of dental emergencies, including infections, pain, or harm to adjacent teeth.

The Process of Extracting Your Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth are removed under local anesthesia and can be done in the dentist’s office. However, the operation will likely be done in a hospital when complications arise. For example, for deep impaction cases or close proximity to nerves, the procedure has to be done in a hospital.

If you have an infection, your dentist may postpone your procedure and wait for the infection to heal. They may also advise you to take antibiotics to keep the site clean for surgery.

Preparing for Extraction of Your Wisdom Tooth

Feeling a little anxious when you are about to have your wisdom teeth extracted is normal. People’s experiences always differ. However, you can make the process easier and more manageable by doing the following:

As you plan to go to the dentist for the extraction, remember to break for a few days off work or school. You should take at least two days to recover from the impacts of the procedure. It takes about one or two weeks to heal completely. Therefore, you should avoid strenuous activities immediately after the procedure.

You should not drive after your anesthesia, as you may be feeling sleepy or disoriented. Make sure that you have a loved one take you home after the surgery.

Prepare Some Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Each wisdom tooth extraction is unique. Therefore, ask your dentist any question you may have, such as:

  • How many teeth will be pulled out?
  • Are there any impacted teeth?
  • How long does the procedure take?
  • Which medications should I avoid before the surgery?
  • Am I supposed to fast before the procedure?

Other necessary preparations include the following:

  • Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before the surgery.
  • Inform your dentist of your use of recreational drugs or alcohol, especially if you are to undergo anesthesia.
  • Tie back long hair and refrain from having your nails polished
  • You should have no jewelry or lipstick on the day of the surgery.
  • You should fast after midnight before the operation to minimize risks associated with anesthesia.
  • Avoid tight clothes and contact lenses; instead, wear glasses.

 What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction procedure is meant to reduce pain as much as possible. It entails the following:

  • Sedation

Your dentist will use anesthesia to ensure you do not experience pain or discomfort during the surgery. This may be local anesthesia to paralyze the area to be operated on. They could also sedate you to calm you down or use general anesthesia to make you sleep during the process. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your preference, the dentist can use either anesthesia.

  • Numbing

In the case of local anesthesia, the dentist administers it close to the gum of the wisdom tooth to be extracted. The local anesthesia numbs that area so you do not feel any pain. You will only feel pressure or movement during the process, but you should not feel pain.

  • Removing Surrounding Tissues

If the wisdom tooth is impacted, your dentist will make an incision on the gum to expose the tooth and any bone over it.

  • Removing the Bone

If a bone covers the tooth, your dentist will use their tools to remove small parts. This makes the tooth more visible, enabling the dentist to administer less invasive procedures without harming the surrounding tissues.

  • Sectioning and Loosening Your Tooth

If your teeth cannot be extracted in one piece, the dentist may cut them into smaller parts. This method of removal is less invasive and reduces the risk of complications.

  • Removing Your Wisdom Tooth

The tooth can be easily removed without harming the neighboring tissues when loosened.

  • Stitching the Extraction Site

If there is an incision, your dentist will stitch your wound so it closes. These stitches are absorbable, and the suture marks should disappear in about a week or two.

The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number and state of the teeth that need to be extracted.

What Happens After the Extraction Procedure

You should follow the postoperative instructions given by your dentist to ensure a smooth and first recovery process. Your dentist will provide specific instructions tailored to your case.  Some of the general instructions include the following:

  • When Bleeding

Some people bleed after the procedure, but this is normal. After the procedure, your dentist will apply gauze over the extraction site to promote clotting. You must bite on the gauze with moderate pressure for 30-45 minutes.

If the bleeding persists, the gauze should be thrown away and a new one placed instead. Avoid excessive spitting, which could cause the clot to come off, prolonging the bleeding.

  • Pain Management

Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may be uncomfortable. For any discomfort, your dentist can prescribe over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen. You can also place ice packs on your cheeks in case of swelling; this will help numb the area. Having the ice pack for 15 minutes on each cheek is sufficient.

  • Swelling and Bruising

You might experience swelling on the extraction site within 48 hours of the operation. Your dentist will advise that you keep your head elevated while sleeping to help minimize the swelling.

You may also have bruises on the extraction site; however, bruise marks will disappear in a few days.

  • Activity

You should rest for at least 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Any form of activity should be limited. Activities such as running can raise your blood pressure and worsen the situation.

  • Beverages

Drink plenty of water. However, you should not consume anything hot, alcoholic, or carbonated 24 hours after the surgery. Avoid using a straw because the action of sucking may irritate the clot and cause a dry socket.

  • Food to Consume

You should consume soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for at least three days after the procedure. When you start recovering, you can consume a wider variety of foods. However, they should not be hot, sticky, crunchy, or spicy, as these could harm your healing wound.

  • Cleaning the Mouth

You should be careful while cleaning your mouth to avoid causing discomfort during the healing process. Do not brush near the extraction site for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Clean the wound by rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water to prevent infections.

However, you should not vigorously rinse your mouth. Instead, you should swish the water in your mouth to remove any food debris or blood.

  • Tobacco Use

If you use cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products regularly, you cease using them for the next 72 hours. Tobacco can hinder healing and increase the chance of developing dry sockets.

  • Stitches on Extraction Site

Dentists use dissolvable sutures to stitch your wounds. These sutures will not be visible within 7 to 10 days after the extraction. However, if they do not disintegrate or become uncomfortable, they may have to be surgically removed by your dentist.

Find the Most efficient Wisdom Teeth Extraction Service Near Me

The removal of your wisdom teeth helps preserve your dental health. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth need to be extracted to avoid discomfort and periodontal diseases. If extraction is done early, it can lead to faster recovery and reduced occurrence of complications.

If you are in Los Angeles, California, experiencing dental issues with your wisdom teeth, you should have them extracted. Contact Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry at 310-361-2080 for friendly and efficient wisdom teeth extraction services.