Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Dublin, CA

Letting Go of Unnecessary Teeth

Several teenagers smiling outdoors after wisdom tooth extractions in Dublin

Among early civilizations, third molars (wisdom teeth) were crucial to ensuring proper nutrition. Because much of the food consumed during those times consisted of dense game, these chewing teeth helped to tear through the tough meat. Over time, though, humans developed new diets and saw their facial structures narrowing. As a result, these teeth became unnecessary. Now that the wisdom teeth no longer serve a purpose, they can cause discomfort and place healthy teeth at risk of damage or decay. If you have a teen who is complaining of tooth pain, don’t wait to call our office in Dublin. Our team will happily set up an appointment for further examination to see if they need wisdom tooth extractions.

Why Choose Waterford Dental Group for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

  • Safe & Effective Dental Technology for Optimal Precision
  • Calming Dental Team Who Will Remain by Patients’ Sides
  • We Will Go Over Your Dental Benefits

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Illustration of impacted wisdom teeth in gum tissue

Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars most people will receive in their lives, and they typically begin to emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties. While these large teeth were once vital to our ancestors’ survival, the jaws of modern humans are often too small to accommodate them, so they can cause a wide range of uncomfortable problems when they start to come in. However, some people will be able to keep their wisdom teeth without any problems, and some others may have fewer than four of them or none at all.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Lady has oral pain

If the mouth does not have enough room to accommodate the wisdom teeth, they can cause constant and considerable discomfort as well as a host of oral health problems. They can force teeth out of alignment, which can be especially frustrating for people who have received orthodontic treatment, and they can also create spaces in which harmful oral bacteria can multiply, which can lead to infections. You may need to have your wisdom teeth removed if you experience:

  • Pain while eating
  • Stiffness of the jaw
  • Swelling of the face
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Difficulty opening the mouth
  • Headaches or chronic pain in your jaw

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Illustrated impacted wisdom tooth pressing against back molar

Although the idea of having one or all four wisdom teeth removed might seem daunting, it is a procedure that is regularly performed and produces beautiful results. After meeting with a member of our team, we will administer local anesthesia so you feel no pain.

Wisdom teeth that have already erupted can usually be removed with a dental elevator and forceps. Teeth that are impacted, though, will require a surgical approach that involves opening the gum tissue to expose the underlying tooth. It will be sectioned and removed in pieces to avoid causing further damage to the bone.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Man sleeps

Some discomfort is to be expected after having your wisdom teeth removed, and you may experience temporary facial swelling and intermittent bleeding. To keep your recovery process smooth and complication free, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that will probably include items like:

  • Practicing excellent oral hygiene while being careful around the extraction sites
  • Rinsing with saltwater to ease inflammation
  • Refraining from spitting or drinking through a straw
  • Abstaining from carbonated beverages, alcohol, and tobacco
  • Sticking to a soft diet until you can resume your normal eating habits comfortably
  • Taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication as instructed

Please contact our office if you’d like to learn more about staying comfortable after your extraction.