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Top Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Top Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth can significantly affect your bite and overall oral function if not managed properly. Experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness in the jaw are signs that you should have your wisdom teeth removed. Overcrowding or frequent infections can also indicate it’s time to consult a dentist about extraction. At Bay Dental, Dr. Linda Pearce and Dr. Shahin Mahallati are dedicated to ensuring your oral health is maintained. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3620 S Bristol St Suite 307, Santa Ana, CA 92704.

Top Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed | Bay Dental Near Me in Santa Ana, CA
Top Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed | Bay Dental Near Me in Santa Ana, CA

Table of Contents:

How do dentists remove wisdom teeth?
Why is wisdom teeth removal so expensive?
What kind of pain is typically associated with problematic wisdom teeth?
Can wisdom teeth affect my bite and overall oral function?

How do dentists remove wisdom teeth?


At Bay Dental, we understand that the removal of wisdom teeth, also known as third molar extraction, can seem intimidating. Rest assured, our experienced dentists, Dr. Linda Pearce and Dr. Shahin Mahallati have the expertise to ensure a successful and comfortable procedure. Wisdom teeth are typically the last four molars to emerge, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood.

Preoperative Assessment: Before the procedure, we will thoroughly examine your oral cavity and get X-rays to see where your wisdom teeth are, as well as any potential complications. If the wisdom teeth are impacted or stuck beneath the gums and embedded in the jawbone, extraction may be recommended.

Anesthesia: At Bay Dental, we prioritize your comfort. This procedure can be carried out under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, or general anesthesia.

Surgical Removal: The removal process involves several steps:
1. Incision: An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth and bone.
2. Bone Removal (if necessary): If the tooth is still impacted, a portion of the bone covering the tooth may need to be removed.
3. Sectional Division (if needed): In complex cases, the wisdom tooth can be broken into tiny pieces to make extraction easier.
4. Extraction: Using forceps, the tooth or tooth segments are gently removed.
5. Debridement: The surgical site is then cleaned to remove any residue from the bone or teeth.

After the extraction, the wound is stitched up to speed up healing, and a gauze pad is placed over the surgical site to help stop any bleeding and assist in the formation of a blood clot.

Post-Operative Care: Post-extraction, we will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care to promote healing. These instructions may include rest, avoiding smoking and drinking through straws, limiting physical activity, applying ice packs, and taking prescribed pain medication. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring and potential suture removal are also crucial.

While wisdom teeth removal may sound intimidating, it’s a routine procedure at Bay Dental. Both Dr. Linda Pearce and Dr. Shahin Mahallati have extensive experience in this procedure, ensuring that the best treatment plan is determined for a successful outcome.

Why is wisdom teeth removal so expensive?


At Bay Dental, we strive to make the process of wisdom teeth removal as straightforward and comfortable as possible for our patients. Our team uses advanced imaging techniques, like X-rays or CT scans, to accurately determine the position and condition of the wisdom teeth, ensuring an effective and efficient surgical process.

Dr. Linda Pearce and Dr. Shahin Mahallati are highly proficient in wisdom teeth removal and skilled in dealing with complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth, but our patients can rest assured knowing they are receiving top-tier care.

At Bay Dental, we also understand the role of dental insurance in covering the cost of procedures like wisdom teeth removal cost. We are more than willing to discuss your insurance coverage, provide an estimate of out-of-pocket costs, and explore payment options to ease any financial concerns.

The cost of wisdom teeth removal can seem high due to the factors discussed above. However, we believe in the value of quality dental care.

What kind of pain is typically associated with problematic wisdom teeth?


Wisdom teeth-related discomfort can range from mild aching to intense pain, often localized in the back of the mouth but potentially radiating to other areas. Common symptoms include jaw pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, often increasing when you open your mouth or chew. It’s also possible to experience a deep, throbbing pain in the jaw, which may extend to the ear, resulting in a throbbing earache, or radiating down the neck.

Sharp, shooting pain is another symptom our dental team often encounters. These sporadic, intense jolts of pain can be triggered by actions such as chewing, biting, or touching. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause gum pain, swelling, and redness, often accompanied by a throbbing sensation, tightness, or fullness in the jaw.

Our patients may also report headaches or migraines due to the pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth, often intensifying with movement and possibly accompanied by facial swelling. Referred pain, which may be felt in areas beyond the wisdom teeth such as the temples, sinuses, or neck, is another symptom that Dr. Linda Pearce and Dr. Shahin Mahallati are skilled in identifying and treating.

Lastly, general mouth discomfort due to a wisdom tooth pushing against other teeth, causing overcrowding and misalignment, is a common issue we address at our practice.

Can wisdom teeth affect my bite and overall oral function?


At Bay Dental, we understand the potential issues that wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can cause. These are the final set of teeth to erupt, usually developing in late adolescence or early adulthood, and can create various dental issues if not addressed promptly. Dr. Linda Pearce and Dr. Shahin Mahallati are both highly experienced in diagnosing and treating related problems, ensuring your bite and overall oral function remain at their optimal levels.

Bite Alignment and Oral Function: Wisdom teeth can significantly impact bite alignment. When these teeth cannot grow properly due to insufficient space, they can become impacted. This means they are unable to break through the gum line and may push against other teeth, causing them to shift. This misalignment can disrupt chewing and affect speech clarity.

Impaction, Crowding, and Oral Health Risks: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. They can also contribute to overcrowding, making it harder to maintain oral hygiene. On rare occasions, cysts or tumors may form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing bone or jaw damage. At Bay Dental, we provide comprehensive assessments and treatments to mitigate these risks, ensuring your oral health stays uncompromised.

Regular Assessment and Treatment Options: Regular dental examinations are crucial in managing the potential problems associated with wisdom teeth. At Bay Dental, we use advanced dental imaging technologies to monitor the development and position of your wisdom teeth, allowing them to assess any potential impact on your bite and oral function. If necessary, they may recommend extraction or orthodontic correction, providing the most effective treatment plans personalized to your needs.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3620 S Bristol St Suite 307, Santa Ana, CA 92704. We serve patients from Santa Ana CA, Orange CA, Anaheim CA, Irvine CA, Garden Grove CA, Westminster CA, Lakewood CA, Costa Mesa CA, and South Coast metro areas.