Prevent Problems & Protect Oral Health

Many dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth removed early to prevent them from damaging your oral health. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop. The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth comfortably, so it can be problematic when an additional four try to squeeze in.

Wisdom teeth develop during the late teens or early twenties. The sooner they are taken out, the less of a chance they have to cause issues. A person usually develops four wisdom teeth, but some people develop over four while others develop none. It's important to attend regular checkups with your dentist, who tracks the development of these third molars.

When your general dentist spots symptoms of wisdom teeth developing, they will refer you to an oral surgeon to have them extracted. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgical procedures involving the mouth and face. Our oral surgeon and wisdom teeth extraction experts at YJ OMS Dental Implants & Oral Surgery regularly perform this procedure in the safety and comfort of our Placentia, CA office. 

Schedule an Appointment for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

When you visit YJ OMS Dental Implants & Oral Surgery in Placentia, CA, specialist surgeon Dr. Jun will examine your mouth and X-rays to determine the position and development stage of your wisdom teeth. If he determines that your molars pose a risk to your oral health, an individual treatment plan will be developed for wisdom teeth removal.

During your consultation appointment, you can expect:

A Thorough Examination: Our experienced oral surgeon will examine your mouth, including X-rays (panoramic or 3D imaging), to assess the position, development, and overall health of your molars.

Personalized Treatment Plan: We'll discuss your individual needs and concerns, explain the reasons for recommending extraction (if necessary), and outline a personalized treatment plan.

Procedure Details: We'll walk you through the wisdom teeth removal procedure, addressing your questions about types of anesthesia, post-operative care, and the potential risk of complications.

Open Communication: We encourage you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Our team is dedicated to providing clear and honest communication, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

Preparing for Your Consultation:

To make the most of your consultation appointment, consider bringing the following:

• Referral slip: If you were referred by your dentist, bring the referral slip with you.
• Dental insurance information: We'll discuss your insurance coverage and answer any questions you may have about benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
• List of medications: Be prepared to provide a list of any medications you are currently taking.
• Questions: Jot down any questions you have about your procedure, the type of anesthesia chosen, or post-operative care.

While we make every effort to ensure we exceed expectations, eligibility is at the discretion of the practice to ensure patient safety and prevent surgical complications. In general, patients seeking a consultation should:

• Be between the ages of 14 and 30 years of age
• Be in good health
• Have recent X-rays
• Be willing to comply with pe-op and post-op instructions

If you are interested in a consultation for wisdom teeth management, our experienced staff is here to guide you through the process and ensure a positive experience.

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What are The Risks of Not Removing Problematic Wisdom Teeth?

While not all wisdom teeth require extraction, ignoring problematic ones can lead to oral health issues. At YS OMS Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we believe in proactive care to prevent long-term complications. Here are some potential problems that can arise if problematic wisdom teeth are left untreated:

1. Infection and Severe Pain:

• Pericoronitis: Impacted or partially erupted teeth can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to a painful infection called pericoronitis.
• Abscesses: Infections can spread to surrounding tissues, causing abscesses (pus-filled pockets) that require immediate treatment.

2. Damage to neighboring Teeth:

• Dental Shifting: Impacted molars cause crowding, misalignment, and bite problems.
• Root Resorption: Pressure can damage the tooth roots of neighboring teeth, potentially leading to root resorption (the breakdown of root structure).
• Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: It can be difficult to clean around partially erupted wisdom teeth properly, increasing the risk of cavities in those areas and on adjacent teeth.

3. Cyst Formation:

• Dentigerous Cysts: Fluid-filled cysts can form and damage the surrounding jaw bone and teeth if left untreated.

4. Gum Disease:

• Periodontitis: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create areas where bacteria can accumulate, leading to inflammation and gum disease (periodontitis). This can cause gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

5. Sinus Issues:

• Sinusitis: Upper wisdom teeth that are close to the sinuses can cause sinus pain, pressure, and infections.

6. Tumors (Rare):

• Odontogenic Tumors: In rare cases, impacted molars can develop into benign or malignant tumors.

Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth grows at an angle and becomes trapped beneath the gum. Third molars have large and unpredictable roots, which can damage the nerves and roots of other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly, which can lead to infections. Leaving these teeth untreated for a long time before extraction can lead to the formation of painful cysts and tumors. 

Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

During your first visit, you will meet with Dr. Jun, who will discuss your options for anesthesia and take 3D scans of your mouth. Most patients undergo IV sedation, which puts them into a sleep-like state where they cannot feel pain. A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours after your procedure.

On the day of dental surgery, your specialist surgeon will remove any exposed wisdom teeth with forceps. We may break molars into smaller pieces before extracting them all. Any incisions are stitched closed, and you will rest in our recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. Be sure to follow the post-operative instructions closely to ensure proper care of the surgical sites and how to manage discomfort.

Be sure to keep the extraction sites clean throughout the healing process. Do not drink through straws, as this can cause dry socket. Rinse your mouth with salt water beginning the day after surgery. Pain or swelling can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs, and sticking to soft foods for a few days.

Have Wisdom Teeth Removed in Placentia, CA

If it is time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth extracted, we encourage you to contact our office in Placentia, CA to schedule an appointment.