How to Tell if You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to appear in the mouth. They usually start developing between the ages of 17 and 25—a time commonly called the “Age of Wisdom.”

Several people think that if the teeth are not causing pain, they do not need to be removed. However, this is not always the case; according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation, “normal” growing molars may still be prone to disease.

If you need teeth removed, then contact Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, at Lakefront Family Dentistry.  Dr. Hauser is a family dentist who has performed this procedure, along with many others, on several patients in his 20 years of service in Riverside County. Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Once a patient becomes a young adult, it is important to undergo an oral evaluation by a skilled and experienced dentist. Third molars usually appear during adolescence, so this is when you should start thinking about removal.

Each patient is different, but most medical and dental professionals agree that wisdom teeth removal should occur in the following instances:

• Periodontal disease or infections
• Unrepairable cavities
• Pathologies such as tumors and cysts
• Damaged neighboring teeth

Third molars that are fully functional, cavity-free and painless, in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue and are disease-free may not require extraction. However, they will require regular professional cleanings and annual check-ups along with periodic radiographs to track any changes that occur.

To prevent the need for an extraction, the following steps should be taken:

• Schedule regular exams twice yearly
• Brush and floss twice daily and after meals
• Use an ADA-approved electric toothbrush
• Eat well-balanced, healthy meals

The Procedure

At Lakefront Family Dentistry, Dr. Hauser will do a thorough examination to determine whether or not the tooth needs extraction. Extraction is a last-resort action taken at Lakefront Family Dentistry. Dr. Hauser makes sure his patients receive proper care according to their specific needs.

Patient comfort and satisfaction comes first at our practice. During your visit, a warm and inviting staff will greet you and guide you into a relaxing, stylish office. Exam rooms are equipped with top-of-the-line, A-dec chairs and cutting-edge equipment.

Before treatment, Dr. Hauser will take X-rays to view your mouth structure and plan the best method of removal. Local anesthesia will be administered, and the staff will ensure that you are comfortable and ready to receive the best care possible.

If Dr. Hauser feels that the tooth is too badly damaged or too difficult to remove, he will refer you to a local, trusted oral surgeon.

Conditions That Affect Removal

A few conditions affect how easily it will be to remove your third molars, including:

• Tooth position
• Stage of root development
• Whether the tooth is impacted or not

Post-Procedure Care

Following the procedure, there may be mild discomfort and swelling. This is normal for the healing process.

Cold compresses will help decrease any swelling, and medication prescribed by your oral care provider will help manage discomfort. Your diet may be modified following the procedure, but it will return to normal as the healing process ends.

Keeping Your Third Molars

If you still decide to keep your third molars after discussing the situation with your family dentist, then you should take particular care in flossing and cleaning them. Professional examinations and cleanings, along with X-rays, must be performed regularly to make sure that your teeth stay healthy from year to year.

Dr. Hauser Is a Family Dentist You Can Trust

Lakefront Family Dentistry offers highly trained staff that is waiting to help you with your oral care needs. Dr. Hauser is passionate about delivering advanced cosmetic solutions in order to help hundreds of patients get the healthy, gorgeous smile they deserve.

It’s never easy to visit the dentist for a tooth extraction, but after 20 years of perfecting his craft, Dr. Hauser will make sure that your receive comfortable, flawless treatment. If you need to consult a dentist about your wisdom teeth removal, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!