Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Fresno, CA
Protecting Your Permanent Smile
Your wisdom teeth will typically erupt anywhere between the ages of 17 and 21. Because they erupt so much later than your other teeth, there’s not as much room for them, and, as a result, they are more prone to becoming impacted or erupting sideways. These issues can lead to infection, pain, and swelling. Dr. Reintjes highly recommends having wisdom tooth extractions in our Fresno, CA dental office long before they start causing complications. If someone in your family is around the age where they can expect to receive their wisdom teeth soon, call us today.
Why Choose the Fresno Family Dental Office of Byron L. Reintjes, DDS for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Variety of Sedation Options
- Experienced Dental Team
- Welcoming Dental Office
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth have earned their nickname because of when they typically make an appearance (in the late teens and early 20s). They are actually just your third set of molars. Although they were important to our ancestors, our diets and lifestyles have changed drastically over the years. As a result, they are often more harmful than helpful now.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth have to be removed. There are actually several cases of people keeping their wisdom teeth for their entire lives without issue. However, they generally need to be removed if they cause (or could potentially cause):
- Pain in the back of your mouth behind your molars.
- Swelling, tenderness, pain, and redness inside your mouth.
- Damage to the roots of nearby teeth.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Whether the wisdom tooth that needs to be removed is trapped underneath the gumline or it has broken through, the first step of the treatment process is the same: numbing your mouth. From there, Dr. Reintjes will take the necessary steps to move your tooth. If it is visible, then he will gently rock the tooth loose until it’s ready to be extracted. If it’s underneath your gums, then he will first make a small incision so he can access the tooth. In both cases, he will tend to the extraction site and provide you with aftercare instructions so you can heal comfortably at home.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Plan on relaxing for the rest of the day after surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 3 or 4 days. Pay attention to your bleeding. If it lasts longer than a couple of days, call us immediately. You can generally use a painkiller to stay comfortable during your recovery. Be sure to avoid extremely hot foods as well as anything hard or crunchy; you should plan on sticking to soft, nourishing foods that take less effort.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Since wisdom teeth seem to cause nothing but trouble, you might be wondering why we have them. While they are often more harmful than helpful in modern times, they actually benefited our early ancestors greatly. After all, their diet consisted primarily of raw foods, and they didn’t have the oral hygiene tools we have today.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Actually, no! In fact, an article published in the Dental Research Journal shared that upwards of 37% of people are missing at least one of their third set of molars. Since genetics is believed to play an important role, you might not have all of your wisdom teeth if your parents or grandparents didn’t.
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
For long-term relief, you need to schedule an appointment at our Fresno dental office so Dr. Reintjes can remove the culprit: your wisdom teeth. That said, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort in the short-term, starting with using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time. Avoiding crunchy foods, rinsing with warm saltwater, and taking OTC pain medication can also help!
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
This is one of the most-asked questions about wisdom tooth extractions. If you’ve been wondering what the answer is, we have good news: you don’t have to worry – the procedure doesn’t hurt because we numb your mouth thoroughly beforehand. Even after we’re done, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to prevent sensitivity, soreness, and other symptoms from arising while you heal.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
If you aren’t experiencing chronic jaw pain, you might feel like having your wisdom teeth removed is unnecessary. It’s important to remember that discomfort isn’t the only reason we recommend this emergency dental procedure. If leaving them alone to develop and progress could lead to infections, cysts, and other serious oral health problems, we will recommend an extraction as well. Ultimately, if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan, the best thing to do is talk to Dr. Reintjes so he can address them.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of essential restorative care. That said, plans vary from patient to patient, and there are often restrictions that need to be considered, like waiting periods and yearly deductibles. So, it’s important to read through the fine print on yours. If you have any questions, let us know! We’re happy to help our patients understand their benefits as well as utilize them to the fullest.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We recommend waiting at least an hour or two to eat. There are a few reasons for this, including that it allows the gauze to stay in place (which helps slow down bleeding) and ensures the numbing agent fully wears off. Once you’re in the clear, stick to a liquid diet on the first day and a soft foods diet in the days afterward.
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