WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Sunnyvale, CA
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
in Sunnyvale, CA
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Preventing Long-term Complications of Impacted Teeth
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should ideally be removed before their root structure is fully developed—as early as 12 or 13 in some, or into the early twenties for others. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30.
Potential Risks of Delayed Wisdom Tooth Extraction:
Infection (Pericoronitis): The most frequent clinical problem. Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation: Non-infectious diseases may also arise. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand, destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding, most noticeable in the lower front teeth after braces. Unless there is an active problem, removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth: If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the second molar can be adversely affected, resulting in gum disease, bone loss, and/or decay.
Oral Examination & The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Focused on your comfort, safety, and a rapid, predictable recovery.
Oral Examination & Evaluation
Predictive Diagnosis: With an oral examination and x-rays, our doctors evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to predict present or future potential problems.
Early Evaluation: Studies show that early treatment (mid-teenage years) results in superior outcomes and faster healing.
Expert Care Team: Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia in an environment of optimum safety.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process
Procedure Duration: The surgery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, with a total office visit of about 90 minutes.
Anesthesia & Comfort: All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort.
Clinical Excellence: Our facility is regularly inspected by the Board of Dental Examiners to ensure the highest standards of sterilization and technology.
What Happen on the Day of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience and choose to be sedated. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment. The Surgical Care Team, facilities, and doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
Essential Pre-Operative Care for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
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Strict Fasting Requirement: You must have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription meds with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer).
*Important: This does not mean trying to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before. Having anything in your stomach increases the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if these guidelines are not heeded. -
Prescription & Preparation: We may provide a prescription for pain medication at your consultation to be filled in advance. On the day of the procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling.
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Surgical Arrival: The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you will be in the office for about 90 minutes. If sedated, we usually place an IV in your left arm—a quick and nearly painless procedure for optimal medication delivery.
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Responsible Escort: A parent or responsible adult must accompany you to the office and plan to stay with you for the rest of the day.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Recovery & Aftercare
Immediate Post-Op: Local anesthesia is given to ensure comfort for your travel home. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
Dissolvable Stitches: If your surgery requires stitches, these usually dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal.
Pain Management: We recommend starting with non-narcotic anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil®) first. If needed, you may then begin your other prescription pain medication.
Dietary Restrictions: Start with clear liquids (jello, broth). Avoid dairy products (yogurt, ice cream, milkshakes) on the day of surgery, as they may cause nausea when combined with anesthesia.
Medication Note: If you are given antibiotics, be aware that birth control pills may become ineffective. Please take appropriate precautions.
FAQ for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Q. What if I don't have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager of young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. If removed in your thirties or forties, the post-operative course can be prolonged with a higher complication rate. If they are completely impacted in bone and not removed in your youth, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (like a cyst) develops. However, healing is always more predictable in your teens or early twenties.
Q. What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee is determined by the difficulty of the extraction and the type of anesthesia used. During your consultation, we will review your x-rays and provide an accurate estimate. Our staff is highly experienced in helping you obtain the maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
Expert Care for
Your Lasting Smile
Expert Care for Your Lasting Smile
Our caring staff is here to help you understand your oral health and provide the gentle, expert care you deserve.