Wisdom tooth extractions
Dr. Cheng Zhu of Pleasant Hill Dental in Pleasant Hill, California, is a dedicated professional who offers solutions for patients who require general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. That includes those who need to have one or more wisdom teeth extracted from the smile.
What are wisdom teeth?
Our team at Pleasant Hill Dental describes wisdom teeth as the third molars. These teeth erupt through the gum line around one’s late teens or early adulthood. Because they arrive later on when compared to the other teeth, there is often not sufficient room for these teeth to come through the gums. This can cause them to become impacted in the jawbone and result in pain and discomfort. To address this issue, a dentist may recommend the removal of these teeth through simple or surgical extractions.
Which type of extraction do I need?
A simple extraction is performed when the wisdom tooth has erupted through the gums and is accessible to the dentist to reach and remove. If the tooth or teeth are impacted underneath the gums, they will require surgical extraction. The dentist will need to cut into the soft tissues to access the tooth in the jawbone and manually remove it. A surgical extraction is more invasive but is the only way to remove the tooth if it hasn’t erupted past the gum line.
Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
The removal of wisdom teeth through either simple or surgical extraction is done with proper sedation and anesthesia to ensure patients are comfortable before and during their procedure. Dr. Cheng Zhu will also provide patients with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery following the extraction. Many patients will heal and recover without any complications if they diligently follow their dentist’s post-operative recommendations.
Discuss your needs for wisdom tooth extractions
Pleasant Hill, CA area patients who need a wisdom tooth extraction are encouraged to contact Dr. Cheng Zhu of Pleasant Hill Dental to determine if they are a good candidate for surgical or simple extraction. His office is located at 1894 Contra Costa Boulevard and can be reached by calling (925) 693-7077.
FAQs
What is a simple extraction?
A simple extraction removes a tooth fully visible above the gumline and can be easily accessed by Dr. Zhu. This treatment is usually carried out when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired, has deteriorated, or is creating crowding. The localized anesthetic will numb the area, and Dr. Zhu will use special instruments to loosen and remove the tooth gently. Simple extractions are relatively quick and cause minimal discomfort, making them an efficient solution for many dental issues.
What is a surgical extraction?
A surgical extraction is prescribed when a tooth needs to be extracted but is not easy to access. This situation is common when a tooth has become impacted, broken at or below the gumline, or has not erupted fully from the gums. Dr. Zhu may need to incision the gum to access the tooth. This procedure is more complex than a simple extraction and is most commonly utilized in wisdom teeth extraction. Localized anesthetic or sedation can ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure. Surgical extractions require more recovery time but are often necessary to prevent further complications.
What age is the average wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are usually extracted between the ages of 17 and 25 when they start to emerge. At this point, they may start to cause problems because of a mouth that is too small, which could result in crowding, impaction, or alignment problems. Dr. Zhu will evaluate your situation using X-rays to determine whether extraction is necessary. While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, many patients benefit from extraction to avoid future dental problems.
Why do I need my wisdom teeth extracted?
Wisdom teeth are often extracted to prevent or resolve issues such as impaction, overcrowding, infections, or damage to adjacent teeth. Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they may not have enough room to fully emerge, causing them to grow at odd angles. This can lead to pain, swelling, or infection. Dr. Zhu may recommend extraction to avoid complications that can harm your overall oral health and to maintain proper tooth alignment.
Should I consider an extraction over a root canal to save a tooth?
While extraction is sometimes necessary, Dr. Zhu recommends a root canal to save a damaged or infected tooth whenever possible. A root canal preserves your natural tooth, helping to maintain your bite alignment and prevent the need for more extensive procedures, like implants or bridges. Extraction is considered a last resort when the tooth cannot be saved. Dr. Zhu will evaluate your tooth and guide you to the best treatment option for your oral health.
Will my dental insurance cover an extraction?
Dental insurance typically covers a portion of the cost of tooth extractions, particularly if the procedure is medically necessary. Coverage varies depending on your specific plan, with most plans providing more coverage for simple extractions than surgical procedures. Dr. Zhu’s office can help you determine your insurance plan’s specifics and estimate out-of-pocket costs. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand your exact benefits.
Does it hurt to have a tooth extracted?
Tooth extractions are typically not painful due to local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. You may feel pressure during the procedure but not pain. After the extraction, some discomfort and swelling are normal, but over-the-counter pain relievers and following Dr. Zhu’s aftercare instructions will help manage it. For more complex extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal, sedation options may be available to ensure your comfort.
Will I need to be sedated for extraction?
Sedation is not always required for tooth extractions. Still, it can benefit patients who feel anxious or undergo a more complex procedure, such as a surgical extraction or wisdom teeth removal. Dr. Zhu will discuss sedation options with you, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or oral or IV sedation. The goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Simple extractions typically only require local anesthesia.
