The wisdom teeth are usually the last set of molars to come in, arriving around the late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, most people simply don’t have enough room in their mouths for these teeth, which is why they are extracted so often. So, if you or your child is struggling with persistent jaw pain, schedule a consultation with us; the wisdom teeth are likely the culprit. At Advanced Dental Care, we have the training and equipment to safely remove them so you can get the care you need right here at our Costa Mesa office.
In short, the wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. Back in ancient times, our caveman ancestors relied on them to chew their rough diet, which consisted mostly of tough plant roots and meat. Typically, the first molars would wear out over time, and the wisdom teeth would replace them. However, as time progressed and cooking techniques advanced, food became easier to eat, and the wisdom teeth became less necessary. Over the millennia, the human jaw has even shrunk, so now when the wisdom teeth try to come in, they often become stuck and need to be removed.
The wisdom teeth typically become impacted, or stuck, as they try to come in simply because there isn’t a clear path for them to erupt. As a result, they end up pushing on the teeth and gum tissue, which can create consistent pain towards the back of the jaw. This can cause the teeth to try to come in crooked as well – sometimes even sideways! Left alone, they can eventually push the other teeth out of place and even develop an infection. Instead of letting this happen, we simply remove the teeth at the earliest sign of trouble.
At Advanced Dental Care, we’re proud to have a talented, experienced, and caring oral surgeon, Dr. Kevin Coppelson. If the teeth that need to be removed have broken through the gumline, then he can gently rock them loose before tending to the extraction site. If they are underneath the gumline, then he will need to create a small incision in the gums first. In both cases, the first step is always the same: to numb your mouth thoroughly so you can relax comfortably in the treatment chair throughout the entire process.
Before you leave our office, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably, including:
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