Wisdom Teeth Extraction Promotion
Your permanent teeth come in over roughly ten to twelve years. It begins with the lower front teeth at ages six or seven and ends with the wisdom teeth, or third molars, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one.
You end up with 32 permanent teeth, including four wisdom teeth, if there’s enough room for them to erupt healthily. You won’t always have to get your wisdom teeth removed, and many people keep theirs for life. However, wisdom teeth can cause pain and problems for some patients, which is why so many choose Placerville Dentistry for their wisdom teeth removal.
Wisdom teeth can cause pain when they erupt and may impact your bite or overall oral health. Through routine X-rays, we monitor how they’re growing and whether there’s room in your mouth. Regular checkups are essential to track their progress and decide the best course of action.
Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough space to erupt properly. It may push against adjacent teeth, crowd the jaw, or grow at angles that threaten alignment. Impacted teeth are a common reason for extraction.
The third molars are located at the back of the mouth, which can make signs hard to notice. You might feel jaw soreness, swelling, or tenderness in your gums near the back. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can harbor infections, form cysts, damage second molars, or contribute to misalignment.
Your permanent teeth take, on average, ten to twelve years to come in, or erupt. Starting with your lower front teeth at age six or seven, and ending with your wisdom teeth between ages seventeen and 21, you end up with 32 permanent teeth. This is if all goes well and there is room for your wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars. It is not inevitable that you must have your wisdom teeth removed, and it is preferable to keep them. After all, you were meant to have them! Although children who were breast fed for an extended period tend to have the best chance of keeping their wisdom teeth, if you are like many, you’ll have to have them extracted if:
- Impacted wisdom teeth are damaging your nearby second molars,
- Your mouth has crowding resulting in misaligned teeth,
- Cysts have formed due to impaction, causing bone loss or infection,
- Periodontal disease has developed due to your wisdom teeth.
Regular visits to your Placerville dentist are essential no matter what your age, but during the teen years and early twenties it is vital that wisdom tooth progression is tracked. Years of diligent childhood dental care and/or orthodontic work can be undone when wisdom teeth come in where there is no room for them.
Signs and Symptoms You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Signs and symptoms that may signal a problem:
- Pain at the back of the jaw, swelling, or jaw stiffness
- Red, swollen gums behind the last molars
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing comfortably
- Unexplained bad breath or a persistent, nasty taste
- Decay in a wisdom tooth or surrounding teeth
Regular visits to Placerville Dentistry help us check how your wisdom teeth are growing. We can then decide if removing them is a good idea for your long-term oral health. The goal isn’t to remove the third molars for the sake of it, but to prevent problems before they arise.
Signs and Symptoms You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Signs and symptoms that may signal a problem:
- Pain at the back of the jaw, swelling, or jaw stiffness
- Red, swollen gums behind the last molars
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing comfortably
- Unexplained bad breath or a persistent, nasty taste
- Decay in a wisdom tooth or surrounding teeth
Regular visits to Placerville Dentistry help us check how your wisdom teeth are growing. We can then decide if removing them is a good idea for your long-term oral health. The goal isn’t to remove the third molars for the sake of it, but to prevent problems before they arise.
Impacted lower 3rd molars resulting in decay on 2nd molars as well as localized bone loss (periodontal disease). This patient’s swelling and pain comes and goes from time to time. If left untreated, Ludwig’s Angina can ensue causing air way constriction, bacteremia, septic shock, and death.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
At Placerville Dentistry, your wisdom teeth removal begins with a thorough consultation with our experienced team. We’ll review X-rays and 3D imaging to determine the exact position, depth, and potential complexity of your extraction. Most patients receive some form of sedation to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Options include:
- Local anesthesia to numb the area
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxation
- IV sedation for deeper comfort
For visible wisdom teeth, the extraction is typically performed with forceps. Impacted teeth may require a small surgical incision and, in some cases, sectioning (breaking the tooth into smaller pieces) to facilitate a careful removal. In general, we can remove a full set of four wisdom teeth in about an hour, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort afterward.
Postoperative care focuses on easing pain, reducing swelling, and supporting healing. We will give you clear instructions on medications, diet, oral care, and activity levels. This will help you recover quickly and comfortably.
Schedule Your Free Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Benefits of Early Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is most straightforward when roots are not fully formed, often in the late teens to early twenties. Early removal can help prevent future problems and may offer several advantages:
- Less complex surgery and faster healing
- Lower risk of nerve injury or damage to nearby teeth
- Reduced likelihood of infections, gum disease, and cysts
- Better chances of preventing crowding and bite changes
- Shorter overall recovery compared with later extraction
If your mouth has little space, waiting to remove teeth can cause bigger problems later. This may affect the alignment of your healthy teeth. Our dentists and oral surgery team in Placerville can assess your needs. We’ll suggest the best plan for your oral health and smile.
Preparation and Recovery
Getting ready is simple: follow the oral surgeon’s instructions. This may mean avoiding some foods, stopping certain medications, and finding a ride home after oral surgery. Recovery is highly individual, but common elements include:
- Pain management as prescribed (usually a short course of analgesics)
- A soft or liquid diet for several days
- Ice packs to reduce swelling in the first 24–48 hours
- Gentle rinsing and careful brushing away from the surgical site
- Avoiding strenuous activity for a few days
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure healing is progressing
With proper care, most patients can return to normal activities a few days after oral surgery. The healing process continues in the following weeks. If you notice severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, contact Placerville Dentistry.
Why Choose Placerville Dentistry for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Compassionate Care: We know visits to the dentist can be stressful. Our team focuses on comfort, clear communication, and trust. We want you to feel at ease from your first call to your post-op visit.
Patient-First Service: Our goal is to help you keep your mouth healthy and your smile confident. We focus on results you can trust and a care experience that makes you feel supported.
Modern Technology and Techniques: You’ll benefit from advanced imaging and proven surgical methods. These are designed to reduce discomfort and help you heal quickly.
Sedation Options for Pain-Free Care: We provide different sedation choices to fit your comfort and anxiety needs. This helps you stay relaxed during the procedure.
Clear, Supportive Aftercare: You will get simple postoperative instructions and any needed medications. Our friendly team is always ready and waiting to answer your questions during recovery.
Convenience and Value: Placerville Dentistry provides comprehensive care under one roof, from the initial consultation to aftercare. We also accept a wide range of dental insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling.
Free Consultations: If you aren’t sure about needing removal, we offer a free consultation. We will check your wisdom teeth and talk about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wisdom Teeth Removal
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 wisdom 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 at Placerville Dentistry. Contact our Placerville, CA office to find out how much your wisdom teeth removal will cost.
What Sedation Options Do You Offer?
All procedures are done under local anesthesia, so patients don’t feel pain or experience discomfort. Some patients need extra help to ease their dental anxiety. We can use laughing gas (nitrous oxide), conscious sedation, or IV sedation. In complex cases, it may be necessary to use general anesthesia, but this is not always the case.
Take the Next Step
If you’re in Placerville, CA, and wondering about wisdom teeth, contact us to book an appointment.
