Wisdom Teeth Removal San Diego . La Jolla . Del Mar

Wisdom Teeth Removal at San Diego Dental Implants & Periodontics

Why Wisdom Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last set of teeth to develop, and while some people may never need them removed, many do. Wisdom teeth often pose challenges due to lack of space in the jaw or improper growth. At San Diego Dental Implants & Periodontics, we assess each case individually to determine whether removal is necessary to protect your oral health. Here are some common reasons why wisdom teeth may need extraction:

Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Insufficient Space in the Jaw
   Most adults have 28 teeth before their wisdom teeth emerge. Unfortunately, many people do not have enough room in their jaw for all 32 teeth. This overcrowding can cause wisdom teeth to become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully erupt and may grow at an angle or remain trapped beneath the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, misalignment, and other oral health problems. Extracting them prevents overcrowding and the complications associated with impaction.
2. Persistent Gum Pain or Infection
   If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort or pain in your gums near your wisdom teeth, it could indicate an infection. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to an infection known as pericoronitis. By removing the wisdom teeth, you can eliminate the source of infection and avoid further complications.
3. Misalignment of Wisdom Teeth
   Wisdom teeth don’t always grow in straight. Sometimes, they may press against neighboring teeth, causing them to shift or become crowded. Removing misaligned wisdom teeth can help preserve the alignment of your other teeth and prevent unnecessary shifting or orthodontic issues.
4. Increased Risk of Decay or Gum Disease
   Because of their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean thoroughly. This makes them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, the decay from wisdom teeth can spread to neighboring teeth. By removing these hard-to-reach teeth, you reduce the risk of decay and gum issues.

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal

Before your extraction, we’ll walk you through the entire process, so you know what to expect. On the day of your procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. If you are having multiple wisdom teeth removed, general anesthesia may be recommended, allowing you to sleep through the procedure. Here’s how the extraction typically proceeds:

1. The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth.
2. Any bone covering the tooth may be removed to fully expose it.
3. The tooth is then removed, either whole or in smaller pieces to make extraction easier.
4. Once the tooth is out, stitches may be used to help the area heal properly.