Wisdom Teeth Removal in El Dorado Hills, CA
Protect Your Oral Health
Third molars are the last teeth to develop and often appear between the ages of 17 and 25. More commonly known as wisdom teeth, these molars are located in the back of your mouth behind your second molars. Most adults do not have room for an extra set of molars, which is why dental experts recommend having them extracted.
At Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons make the wisdom tooth removal process easy. We walk you through every step and offer many options for anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort. Contact our El Dorado Hills, CA, office for a consultation with Dr. Liberty if it's time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth removed.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
When there is not enough room for third molars to erupt, numerous oral health problems can occur. Many people experience pain or swelling in the back of the mouth as these teeth try to squeeze in, although some people do not feel any pain from third molars. The gums around a wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in further discomfort and difficulty chewing.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors, which jeopardize the health of the jaw bone and nearby teeth. Extra molars can cause dental overcrowding and can cause misalignment and damage to other teeth. By having wisdom teeth removed early, you can avoid the possibility of third molars causing these issues.
If left untreated, these problems may become more severe throughout adulthood. Treatment can be more complicated now that the molars are fully developed, compared to younger patients when these molars have just started to develop. Although dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted early, our oral surgeons at Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery can extract wisdom teeth for patients of all ages.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that do not have enough space to erupt through the gum tissue. Your surgeon will take 3D scans to see if any teeth are impacted and determine if or when they can erupt, or plan how to remove them. Most impacted teeth must be surgically removed eventually to avoid complications.
An impacted wisdom tooth may be partially or completely impacted. A partial bony impaction means there is space for the tooth to partially erupt, although it cannot function properly, easily traps bacteria, and is difficult to clean. A complete bony impaction means there is no space for eruption and the tooth remains stuck beneath the gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
It may be time to have your wisdom teeth evaluated and removed if you experience one of more of these symptoms:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that easily bleed
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Ongoing bad breath, even after brushing
- An unpleasant taste
- Difficulty fully opening your jaw
- You can see a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
During your consultation, we take 3D scans of your mouth and face. By using the latest in dental imaging technology, we can detect wisdom teeth and other oral health conditions with great accuracy and design a custom plan for your oral surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Wisdom tooth extraction is often performed using IV sedation combined with local anesthesia. You will rest in a semi-conscious state and wake up when the procedure is over, often with no memory of the surgery at all.
After the anesthesia takes effect, your oral surgeon will expose any erupted teeth using forceps. If teeth are impacted, your surgeon will make an incision in the gums and break the impacted teeth into smaller pieces to make removal easier. Sutures are placed as necessary and you will rest in our office until the sedation wears off and you are ready to go home.
Generally, this procedure takes between 30 and 60 minutes. We will provide you with instructions to follow after your surgery to minimize discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer many anesthesia and sedation options for your safety and comfort.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi, my name is Sophia and I'm from Folsom. I came to Golden Foothills to get my wisdom teeth out. The staff here is really great. The doctors here, they're pretty funny. They make you feel relaxed. They really, like, work with you and they help you. I had all four wisdom teeth removed. It went really well. It didn't take too long to recover. It feels really good to have a healthy smile. Overall, it was a really great experience getting my wisdom teeth removed here. I would absolutely recommend Golden Foothills."
"Hi, my name is Ciara and I'm from Folsom. I came to Golden Foothills to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first came here, I felt comfortable. The staff here is extremely nice and very comforting. My doctor was extremely friendly and the procedure went really well. The recovery was really easy. It feels really good to have a healthy smile. Overall, my experience here was outstanding. For my friends and family in Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, and Orangevale, I highly recommend Golden Foothill Surgery. They are the best."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot within an empty tooth socket becomes dislodged. After wisdom teeth removal, avoid rinsing your mouth or using straws, as this could dislodge the blood clot. Be careful when you brush your teeth and follow your surgeon's instructions closely. If you suspect a dry socket, contact our office immediately.
Do wisdom teeth cause gum disease?
Wisdom teeth can cause infection and disease, including gum disease at the back of the mouth. Tender or bleeding gums, pain, and swelling could indicate disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth decay or the disease spreading to other teeth and gums as it progresses.
How long does it take for wisdom tooth extraction sites to close?
The tooth socket will take several weeks to heal. However, you can resume your regular routine when you feel up to it. Many patients return to work or school 24 hours following wisdom teeth removal.
How much does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on how many teeth you need removed, your insurance, your choice of anesthesia, and the overall complexity of your surgery. We provide you with a cost estimate for your wisdom tooth extraction during your first visit. Contact our office in El Dorado Hills, CA, to find out how much your wisdom teeth removal would cost.
The New Standard of Oral Surgery and Patient Care
We are honored to be a part of the greater Sacramento area and help others improve their health and confidence through oral and maxillofacial surgery. Please contact us in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or Auburn today to learn more about our services or to schedule your consultation.