What to expect when having wisdom teeth removed

One of the most common and bothersome issues in the smile is the development of the wisdom teeth, known as the third molars. These teeth are the last to erupt in the smile, often in the late teen years or early adulthood. Because of this, there is often not enough room for them to come through, and they have high instances of becoming impacted, stuck in the jawbone, and unable to erupt. Because of their chances of being problematic for patients, patients must consult with their dentist to discuss possible removal. Dr. Daniel Pulsipher of Springs Dental in Murrieta, CA may recommend simple or surgical extraction. Read on to learn more about this treatment!

Why do wisdom teeth exist?

Years ago, wisdom teeth were needed for our ancestors to properly chew and digest hard food items, including meats, nuts, and leaves. Because we no longer eat the way we did years back, these teeth are no longer “necessary.” Instead, they have become more problematic and can be successfully removed.

Is it appropriate to seek wisdom teeth removal near me?

The third molars are notorious for becoming a problem for patients either because they are hard to clean and can increase a patient’s risk of periodontal disease and cavities, or because they become stuck within the jaw and cannot come up through the gum line. Regardless, it is appropriate for patients to seek wisdom tooth removal when issues exist. During a consultation appointment with Dr. Daniel Pulsipher, patients can discuss their options.

What happens during wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom tooth removal is different depending on the type of procedure performed. If a tooth is stuck in the jawbone and cannot erupt, surgical removal is needed. During this treatment, the patient is properly anesthetized and sedated while the dentist cuts into the gums and manually removes the tooth from the jaw. For wisdom teeth that have already erupted, simple removal is needed and can be done in just a few minutes in the dentist’s chair. Patients will find that there is a longer healing process with surgical extraction than a simple extraction.

What is dry socket, and how do I prevent it?

Conditions such as dry socket will require the assistance of a dentist to address. Dry socket is caused by the loss of the clot that naturally occurs in the mouth when a tooth is removed. It can be painful and delay recovery, so it is vital that patients closely follow their dentist’s aftercare recommendations to reduce the risk of dry socket and further infection.

What is the cost of wisdom teeth removal?

The cost of removing the wisdom teeth varies depending on several factors. First, the number of teeth removed needs to be evaluated, and the type of surgery, either simple or surgical, can affect the final quote as well. Patients who have dental insurance plans may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs for wisdom tooth removal and budget more effectively. To get an accurate cost estimate, it is best to undergo a consultation appointment at Springs Dental.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

Recovery from simple extractions takes just a few days, while surgical extractions may require a week or two on a softer diet. Dr. Daniel Pulsipher provides patients with aftercare instructions and may recommend a follow-up appointment to evaluate the healing process a week or two later.

Learn more about tooth extractions in Murrieta with Dr. Daniel Pulsipher

If you are seeking a dentist in Murrieta, CA who offers wisdom tooth extraction for both simple and surgical cases, connect with Springs Dental by calling (951) 461-2310. Appointments can be made at our practice, conveniently located at 39755 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite A110, and available for new and returning patients.