Wisdom Teeth

Rocklin, CA

Wisdom teeth, the last set of molars to emerge in your mouth, often bring a mix of curiosity and concern. While they symbolize a transition into maturity, they can also pose various dental challenges. Our aim is to demystify wisdom teeth, offering you a clear understanding of their nature, potential issues, and the treatments available. Call our Rocklin, CA office to learn more!

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

Wisdom teeth can appear anywhere between the late teens and mid-twenties. They are not called wisdom teeth because they make you smarter, but because they usually come in at a time when a person has reached a level of maturity that should indicate an increased level of wisdom! Some recent research indicates that the brain could possibly reach full maturity around the time that the wisdom teeth are making their appearance.

TROUBLES WITH WISDOM TEETH

So why are wisdom teeth mentioned on a dentist’s website? They are often misaligned. Depending on how severely they are misaligned, they can damage nearby teeth, nerves, or even the jawbone. The wisdom teeth can also be impacted. This refers to a condition where they are either still under the gums or they only partially break the surface of the gums. Wisdom teeth that are only partially visible have two potential problems. The opening in the gums can make it much easier for bacteria to get in and cause infections. They can also be harder to reach during oral hygiene, which makes them more susceptible to decay and infection.

A consultation with our team will help you come up with options for dealing with your wisdom teeth should they be misaligned. It is not uncommon for dentists to extract wisdom teeth even before they become a problem. The process and recovery are much easier on younger patients than on older patients. We may also choose to periodically x-ray your wisdom teeth and simply keep an eye on their development. In some cases, he may send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

In the event that an extraction is necessary, there are two basic scenarios:

  • If the wisdom tooth is fully exposed, it can be extracted by the process that any other tooth is extracted.
  • If the wisdom tooth is under the gum (completely or partially), an incision and minor surgery will be necessary. This is often done by an oral surgeon. He may remove the tooth in small sections rather than all at once in order to minimize bone removal.

UNDERSTANDING WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

While wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, it’s crucial to understand potential risks and complications. These may include dry socket, where a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged in the tooth socket, leading to delayed healing and pain. Infections, nerve damage, and bleeding are other possible complications. 

Our dental team prioritizes your safety and comfort, employing the latest techniques to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery.

POST-EXTRACTION CARE

After the extraction, proper care is vital for a quick and uneventful recovery. We recommend a soft diet, avoiding vigorous rinsing, and refraining from smoking to promote healing. Applying ice packs can reduce swelling, and it’s important to follow all prescribed medication regimens. We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and are always available to address any concerns during your recovery period.

YOUR PARTNER IN DENTAL HEALTH

Our commitment goes beyond treating dental issues; we aim to educate and empower you to make informed decisions about your oral health. Whether it’s managing wisdom teeth or providing comprehensive dental care, our team is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable, safe, and positive experience for all our patients.

JOIN OUR TEAM

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