Wisdom Teeth Extraction Simi Valley, CA
At some stage in life, wisdom teeth extraction may become necessary. It is rare for patients to have sufficient room for all wisdom teeth, and as a result, these teeth frequently become impacted while developing. This may cause discomfort, push neighboring teeth forward, and create spaces where food can collect; it may also increase the risk of infection and dental decay. For these reasons, we commonly recommend wisdom tooth removal for our patients. When you visit Alamo Family Dentistry, we can examine your teeth, take X-rays, and let you know whether and when an extraction procedure is recommended. You can reach our office by calling (805) 520-1711.
What is an extraction?
An extraction is a dental procedure used to remove wisdom teeth. The exact removal method depends on the position of the teeth and whether they are impacted.
What is the procedure like?
Before the procedure begins, anesthesia will be used to numb the treatment area. Some dentists and oral surgeons may also provide nitrous oxide to help you relax or sleep so you are unaware of the procedure itself.
If your wisdom teeth have erupted normally, removal is usually fairly simple. In this situation, you would visit a dentist to have the teeth extracted using standard dental instruments. Most often, surgery is not necessary. However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted, oral surgery is generally required. To access the tooth, the gum tissue covering it must be opened. Once the area has been numbed, a flap is created within the gum tissue. This gives the dentist or oral surgeon a clear view of the tooth. If bone or muscle covers the area, that tissue must also be removed to fully expose the tooth. At that point, the dentist may be able to loosen the tooth and carefully remove it from the socket. However, if the tooth does not move easily, it may need to be separated into several smaller pieces for individual removal.
Once the tooth has been fully removed, the treatment site must be cleaned carefully. The gum tissue flap is then repositioned and secured using sutures. Gauze is placed over the area to help control bleeding afterward.
What are the aftercare steps following wisdom teeth extraction?
Immediately after wisdom teeth extraction, you will remain at the dental office until the anesthesia effects begin wearing off. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure bleeding has slowed and the gauze is working effectively. As long as everything appears normal, you will be sent home to continue recovering. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home so you do not need to drive yourself.
At Alamo Family Dentistry, we encourage patients preparing for an extraction to organize everything in advance. Once you return home, you will need plenty of rest, so prepare your bed with pillows to keep your head elevated. Keep water bottles, additional gauze, ibuprofen, and entertainment like movies or books nearby. Plan to rest for at least 48 hours. During this period, you may prefer eating popsicles, yogurt, ice cream, warm soup, Jell-O, and other soft foods that require minimal chewing. Your mouth will likely feel too sore for harder foods.
To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to your face for 15-minute intervals and take ibuprofen consistently throughout the day. This routine should continue for 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, you may still require ibuprofen, although continued icing may no longer be necessary.
Gradually, you can begin reintroducing solid foods into your meals and slowly return to normal eating habits. The important thing is not to rush the recovery process. Begin with softer foods that are easy to chew before eventually returning to your favorite Simi Valley restaurant. Recovery may take up to two weeks before you feel fully normal again, so during this period, avoid foods like nuts, chips, or crunchy items that may irritate your gum tissue.
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the dentist who performed your procedure to confirm that healing is progressing properly. During this appointment, you will receive approval to return to your regular eating routine.
How long is the wisdom teeth extraction recovery time?
The first 48 hours are especially important because swelling, pressure, and bleeding are most common during this period. Afterward, complete recovery may require one to two weeks. Your exact recovery time depends on the type of procedure performed and whether surgery was necessary for your wisdom teeth extraction.
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How can you avoid an infection after removal?
As a dental practice, we are always mindful of infections following oral surgery. Whether you need a wisdom teeth extraction or another tooth removed, there is always a chance that bacteria could enter the treatment area. To help reduce this risk, you should rinse your mouth periodically with warm saltwater. Brushing your teeth is also necessary, although you must avoid disturbing the surgical site while cleaning your mouth. In some situations, an antibacterial mouth rinse may also be prescribed.
Is wisdom tooth extraction always necessary?
At Alamo Family Dentistry, we understand that every patient is different, and each person’s teeth are unique. Whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed by a dentist will largely depend on the amount of space available in your palate. If there is enough room for your teeth and third molars, they may remain in place. There is no reason to remove teeth that grow in properly and stay healthy. However, impacted wisdom teeth should be removed because they can threaten nearby teeth and roots while also increasing the risk of infection. The best way to determine whether your wisdom teeth should be extracted is to call 805-520-1711 and schedule an appointment with our Simi Valley dental office. We can make a recommendation and answer any additional questions you may have regarding the procedure.
If you live in the Simi Valley area, call (805) 520-1711 to schedule your dental exam so that you can remain in good dental health or receive treatment for a current condition.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during a wisdom tooth extraction?
Q. What do I need to do after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Q. When is a wisdom tooth extraction necessary?
People Also Ask
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Definition of Dental Terminology
- Anesthesia
- Anesthesia is a substance that medical professionals administer in various forms (gas, injection or pill) that helps patients not feel pain or sensations during surgical operations.
- Asymptomatic Wisdom Teeth
- Asymptomatic wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that show no symptoms of irritation, inflammation or overcrowding the mouth that deem extraction.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Cysts – Fluid Filled Sacs
- Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can also contain gas or puss and can occur anywhere on the body, even in or around the mouth/teeth.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Dry Socket
- A dry socket can occur after pulling a tooth out and seeing white bone in said socket. Other symptoms of dry socket include bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Oral Surgery
- Oral surgery is a type of surgery that focuses on the mouth, jaw, gums or teeth. Oral surgery can repair, enhance or correct multiple issues in the mouth.
- Pericoronitis
- Pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the crown of a partially-erupted tooth.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
- Third Molars
- The third molars are also known as the wisdom teeth and typically require removal in order to prevent pain and other issues in the mouth.
- Vacuum Formed Mouthguard
- A vacuum formed mouthguard involves customizing the mouthguard to match a mold of the individual patient’s teeth for a perfect fit.
- Wisdom Teeth Impaction
- Wisdom teeth impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth are under the gums enough that an individual cannot reach them with a toothbrush.
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