Wisdom Teeth Removal Cerritos, CA

If your wisdom teeth have recently started coming in, you might be hearing that it’s a good time to get them removed. While not always necessary, a wisdom tooth extraction in Cerritos can help many people by reducing pain and making oral hygiene much easier.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, the last teeth in the mouth. “Wisdom teeth” are called that because they are the last permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth, and it happens in early adulthood as you become “wise.”

The average age for wisdom teeth to appear is between 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth actually start to form under the gums around age seven and can be seen on x-rays usually at around 12.The average age for wisdom teeth to appear is between 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth actually start to form under the gums around age seven and can be seen on x-rays usually at around 12.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and not everyone who has wisdom teeth needs them removed. However, many people choose to have them removed due to space reasons and as a preventative measure. Here are some reasons why you might want your wisdom teeth removed:

Pain: Wisdom teeth can cause pain in your gums and jaw joints as they erupt. Things can get especially painful if you don’t have enough room in your mouth for four more molars. These new teeth can put pressure on the jaw joint and adjacent teeth making chewing, speaking, and just living a painful experience.
Spacing: Not everyone has a large enough jawbone to accommodate their wisdom teeth. If this is the case for you, a wisdom tooth extraction in Cerritos might be recommended. When the wisdom teeth can’t exfoliate normally and healthfully, they can damage the adjacent teeth, particularly the roots of those teeth.
Sinus complications: Due to the proximity of the upper wisdom teeth to your sinuses, extractions might be necessary. If your wisdom teeth or the gum tissue around them develop an infection, you can end up with a sinus infection as well. The result is pain, inflammation, and pounding headaches.
Overcrowding: Even if it seems like you have enough room for the wisdom teeth to fully erupt, if they cause the other teeth to shift and crowd, you really don’t have enough room for all 32 teeth. Crowding can make it more difficult to brush and floss, putting all your teeth at risk of decay, gum disease, and infections. And if you’ve already had orthodontic treatment, your wisdom teeth can reverse the results you worked so hard to achieve.

What’s the Difference Between an Erupted and an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Erupted wisdom teeth are those that come out of the gum tissue and look like fully developed teeth – just like the other molars in your mouth.

Partially impacted wisdom teeth are those that don’t quite have enough room to fully erupt. Instead, most of the tooth is below the gumline, while some of it is exposed above the gums. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are notoriously difficult to keep clean. It isn’t uncommon to develop cavities or gum disease in this situation.

Fully impacted or bony impacted teeth are those that are stuck in your jawbone. They don’t necessarily go anywhere and might not pose a risk to your oral health. However, your Cerritos dentist will want regular x-rays of your wisdom teeth to make sure they don’t start to shift. If they do, they can shift inside the bone and into the roots of the adjacent teeth, which can cause the nerve of the tooth to die.

Should You Begin Orthodontic Treatment Before or After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If your child or teen has already started orthodontic treatment, it makes sense to remove the wisdom teeth once their treatment is complete or whenever the wisdom teeth develop.

For older patients who still have their wisdom teeth and have never had orthodontic treatment, your dentist will likely recommend getting a wisdom tooth extraction in Cerritos first. This reduces the risk of any complications during or after orthodontic treatment.

When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

The timing of wisdom tooth extractions depends on your oral health and history.

Sometimes, we recommend removing wisdom teeth even before they come in (before age 18) to avoid problems as they erupt. This is why so many teenagers have wisdom teeth extractions. We can tell via x-rays whether the wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems while they are still beneath the gums.

If you are an adult and are having issues caused by your wisdom teeth, then now is the ideal time for a wisdom tooth extraction in Cerritos.

What Should You Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Cerritos?

Before your wisdom teeth are removed, we will perform a complete exam and take x-rays and any other necessary images to determine whether wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Extracting the wisdom teeth is typically a dental surgical procedure, and your Cerritos dentist will help you prepare for your appointment. They’ll offer various recommendations (avoiding blood thinners if it’s medically alright to do so, for example), as well as provide post-op instructions.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are two main ways to extract wisdom teeth, which depends on their positioning.

Simple extraction: If the teeth have fully erupted and are in good condition (no decay, not broken), we can remove these teeth relatively easily with forceps.
Surgical extraction: Fully or partially erupted teeth require a surgical approach. Your Cerritos dentist will use a scalpel to make an incision in the gum tissue. Then, he’ll use specialized instruments to remove the surrounding connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the jawbone. Once that is complete, he’ll be able to remove the tooth. A suture is placed to help the gum tissue heal.

During a wisdom tooth extraction in Cerritos, your dentist will make sure your teeth and gums are completely numb. They’ll also provide various sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout the entire process.

Is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?

We do everything we can to make wisdom teeth extraction as pain-free as possible. You may be given an oral medicine to take before the appointment, and other sedation and numbing methods may be used as well. We will explain all your options before the procedure. Any lingering pain after the procedure can be handled with over-the-counter pain medicine.

What Sedation Options Are Available?

There are three main options:

Nitrous oxide: A gas that you breathe through a mask on your nose that relaxes you and keeps you calm
Oral sedation: A tablet or capsule that contains sedatives to keep you relaxed
General sedation: Sedative medications delivered through an IV to induce unconsciousness

What Is the Recovery Process Like After an Extraction?

The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction in Cerritos is approximately two weeks, provided you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. After your extraction, your dentist will provide you with a list of precautions to help you avoid an infection or a painful condition called dry socket. Some of those precautions include:

Avoiding smoking
Avoiding heavy lifting
Avoiding drinking through a straw
Avoiding rinsing your mouth for 24 hours
Rinsing with warm salt-water after the first day
Taking any and all antibiotics prescribed to you

Are There Any Complications to Worry About?

Wisdom teeth extraction complications are rare but come mainly in two types: dry socket and infection.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the wound is dislodged, usually from smoking, drinking through a straw, rinsing, or heavy lifting.

An infection can occur, too, if instructions aren’t followed. Be sure to take all prescribed antibiotics for the entire course, as stopping antibiotics early can cause issues, including an infection, re-infection, or antibiotic resistance.

How Much Does a Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Cerritos Cost?

The cost of a wisdom tooth extraction depends on:

Whether you have a surgical or simple extraction
The type of sedation you receive

Please speak with our friendly dental staff to determine the exact costs of your wisdom teeth extraction. How much you have to pay depends on your insurance company. Some companies pay for sedation, while others don’t. Some pay for extractions at 80%, others at 50%.

In addition to your co-pay, you may need to pay your annual deductible if it hasn’t already been met. Remember, too, that most insurance companies have an annual maximum. Once that’s reached, you’ll have to pay for any remaining costs out of pocket.

Our team is happy to discuss payment options, as well as outside financing, to ensure your treatment costs fit your budget.

Are Your Wisdom Teeth Causing Pain Or Discomfort?

You don’t need to suffer in silence! Contact us today to schedule an exam and surgical consultation.

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