Wisdom Teeth Removal

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, California

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 17 and 25. Removing the wisdom teeth at a young age helps prevent future dental problems and avoids possible complications during surgery that may occur in older adults.

The wisdom teeth are the third molars that surface in the very back of the mouth when we enter young adulthood. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, or damage to the other teeth. The wisdom teeth may surface without any complications or they may cause complications that can be uncomfortable. Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kevin Sands likes to remove the wisdom teeth before they have a chance to cause any dental problems.

Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth can cause problems if they are not removed in a timely manner. Some people think they should wait to have their wisdom teeth removed until the teeth start to surface. Other people think they don’t need to have them removed until they begin to cause problems. It is important to have the wisdom teeth removed before they cause problems. You may need additional dental work done to correct problems caused by wisdom teeth.

Some of the wisdom teeth problems are:

• Fully or partially impacted wisdom teeth
• Infection in the gums
• Swollen or red gums
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Gum disease
• Shifting or crowding of the teeth
• Tooth decay

About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dr. Sands will ask you to avoid eating and drinking anything after midnight the night before your wisdom teeth removal. The day of your procedure, Dr. Sands will give you anesthetic for wisdom teeth removal prior to begining the procedure. This will help you relax and prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure.

During the procedure, Dr. Sands will open the gum covering the wisdom teeth and remove any bone above the teeth. He will then separate any tissue that is holding the teeth to the gums so the teeth can easily be removed. In some cases, Dr. Sands will have to cut the wisdom teeth into small pieces to make the removal of the teeth easier.

Dr. Sands will stitch up the gums after he removes the wisdom teeth. Some stiches dissolve over a few days while other stitches require him to remove them after a few days. Dr. Sands will let you know if you need to come back to have your stiches removed.

You will be given cotton guaze to bite down on to help stop the bleeding. You will need to remove the guaze and replace them with new ones once they are soaked. Please contact Dr. Sands if the bleeding has not stopped after 24 hours.

What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal

You will experience minor pain and discomfort following your wisdom teeth removal. Get plenty of rest and relax. Dr. Sands will prescribe painkillers to help with any pain or discomfort you may experience. He may suggest other wisdom teeth pain relief methods that you can do in conjunction to taking painkillers.

To help your recovery and comfort, you will want to:

• Avoid lying flat because it will prolong the bleeding.
• Prop your head up with pillows
• Avoid physical activity because it will increase bleeding
• Relax and get plenty of sleep
• Do not suck on straws or food because sucking may loosen the blood clot
• Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids
• Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheeks during the first 24 hours following surgery
• Use moist heat on the outside of your cheeks for a few days after the first 24 hours
• Rinse with warm salt water after the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling and to relieve pain
• Do not smoke following surgery because it can prolong healing, cause infections, and decrease the blood supply
• Do not rub the area with your fingers or tongue because it can lead to infection or delay healing
• Brush your teeth and tongue very carefully, but do not stop while you recover

If you are interested in having your wisdom teeth removed or want to speak with Dr. Sands about your wisdom teeth, please contact our Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistry office today to schedule an appointment. We serve cosmetic dentistry patients in and around the Los Angeles, California area.