WISDOM TEETH: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | IRVINE, CA
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They are the last to come in, most commonly between the ages of 17-25.
Does everyone need to get his or her wisdom teeth removed?
There are those very rare cases when patients don’t need to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, these patients’ wisdom teeth are still prone to disease and must be monitored for life. There are also very few people who never get wisdom teeth.
When is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?
We recommend having your wisdom teeth removed or evaluated during your mid-teenage years, before the roots have fully developed and entwined themselves in the nerves located in the jawbone. Waiting can make extraction much more complicated.
Do all four teeth have to be pulled?
Not necessarily. We assess each patient’s oral health thoroughly as we determine the best course of action for each unique case. Sometimes only one or two third molars need to be removed.
Is it true that the surgery takes less than an hour?
In most cases, yes! Of course, the number of teeth we are removing, the severity of impaction, and several other factors affect the length of the surgery. However, most extractions do take less than an hour, and we will keep you comfortable the whole time.
How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?
You will probably be too sleepy to do much the first day of your recovery, but most patients are back to their normal activities within 1-3 days.
Do wisdom teeth extractions hurt?
No! in fact, during the procedure, you won’t feel a thing. It isn’t uncommon for patients to have soreness for a few days following the surgery as the anesthesia wears off. Before surgery, we will discuss pain control methods and set you up with any necessary prescriptions, so that you remain comfortable at home as well.
Will I be awake for the extraction?
It’s up to you. We have a variety of options of anesthesia to accommodate different patients’ needs, and we discuss your anesthesia preferences prior to your surgery day.
What does “impacted” mean?
Excellent question. Impacted wisdom teeth are not able to fully erupt through the gums due to a lack of space in the jaw. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
What is “dry socket”?
Dry socket is a temporary complication that causes severe pain lasting 10-14 days. We have figured out a solution in our office so patients do not suffer from dry socket in our practice.
If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming wisdom tooth appointment, we urge you to give us a call. Canyon Medical Plaza Phone Number 949-453-9797 We are here to set your mind at ease.