Wisdom teeth are located behind each of the molar teeth in our upper and lower jaws, and usually, they don’t cause us any worry or trouble. They are also known as third molars and are the last of the permanent teeth to appear in our mouths. The majority of people have only four wisdom teeth, while some may have more and others may have less. While humans may eventually evolve further to not need and stop developing wisdom teeth altogether, thanks in large part to our diets, this will likely not happen for thousands of years. Until then, you may find yourself in need of having a wisdom teeth extraction to remove an impacted tooth. Reach out to Sacramento Surgical Arts online for a oral surgery consultation, or call us at 866.930.5837 today to discuss our expert wisdom teeth extraction procedure.
What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
A person’s wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and most appear normally, just as their other molars once did, and usually cause people absolutely no problems initially.
However, many people, over time, develop impacted wisdom teeth. These are teeth that don’t have enough room to fully appear in the mouth or are unable to continue developing normally. Some impacted wisdom teeth only partially appear, while others do not appear in the mouth at all. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth, and the result can be extreme pain, an infection, or any number of other dental issues.
An impacted wisdom tooth may:
- Grow at an angle:
- Toward the next tooth over (this is the second molar)
- Toward the back of the mouth
- Lie down within the mouth because it has grown at a right angle to the other teeth
- Grow straight but remain encased within the jawbone
The best way to effectively deal with an impacted wisdom tooth is to remove it.
What Is a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The extraction of a wisdom tooth or multiple wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure performed in the instances when a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to erupt fully in the mouth and grow.
Many individuals suffering tooth pain opt for wisdom teeth removal in Sacramento. This means you will have your impacted wisdom teeth pulled to prevent additional problems going forward. It may also be recommended that wisdom teeth extraction be performed asymptomatically, even if impacted teeth aren’t currently causing your mouth, gums, or other teeth problems currently.
A wisdom teeth extraction is an extremely common procedure, with over 5 million Americans each year having their wisdom teeth removed.
What Is The Wisdom Teeth Procedure Like?
The area around the impacted wisdom tooth will be made numb with a local anesthetic. In addition, it may be suggested that you are sedated to be more comfortable during the procedure. During this outpatient oral procedure, the surgeon will:
- Make an incision in the gum tissue, exposing the wisdom tooth and surrounding bone
- Remove the bone that blocks access to the tooth root
- If it’s easier to remove in pieces, divide the tooth into sections
- Remove the impacted wisdom tooth
- Cleans the area of any debris
- Stitches the wound closed, if necessary
- Places gauze over the extraction area to control bleeding
As you heal from the extraction, you will follow the simple instructions regarding bleeding, swelling, pain, eating, drinking, brushing teeth, and additional mouth activity.
Learn More at Sacramento Surgical Arts
Are you experiencing mouth pain? You could have an impacted wisdom tooth. There is no need to suffer for another day. Contact us today to schedule your wisdom teeth extraction consultation by using our secure online form or call us at 866.930.5837.