Oxnard Dentistry – Expert Wisdom Teeth Care in Oxnard, CA
Wisdom teeth don’t always erupt smoothly, and if your jaw doesn’t have enough space or the teeth come in incorrectly, they can cause discomfort and other dental issues. At Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, California, Dr. Kourosh Keihani, DDS, and his experienced team provide professional wisdom teeth care and extractions to protect your oral health. Call 805-604-9999 or book your appointment online today.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, usually emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood. They are named “wisdom teeth” because they develop at a more mature age compared to other teeth.
While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, many others face complications due to lack of space or improper eruption, which can affect surrounding teeth and tissues.
Why Would I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary when:
- Lack of Space: Your jaw cannot accommodate the extra teeth.
- Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth remain trapped beneath the gums or partially erupt.
- Pain or Infection: Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infections.
- Damage to Other Teeth: Crowding or pushing against neighboring teeth can cause damage.
- Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: Difficult-to-clean wisdom teeth are prone to decay and inflammation.
- Cysts or Tumors: Rarely, wisdom teeth can cause cysts or growths that affect the jawbone.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Wisdom teeth may need removal to avoid interfering with braces or other treatments.
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can help prevent pain, infection, and long-term complications.
What Happens During a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Dr. Keihani prioritizes patient comfort and safety during the extraction process.
- Anesthesia Options: The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area. Nitrous oxide is available for added relaxation, and IV sedation can be provided upon request, depending on your needs.
- Simple Extraction: For fully erupted wisdom teeth, a simple extraction technique is used to loosen and remove the tooth.
- Surgical Extraction: For impacted wisdom teeth, a small incision is made in the gum to access and remove the tooth.
The team ensures the procedure is as painless and stress-free as possible.
How Should I Care for My Teeth After an Extraction?
After your wisdom teeth are removed, the Oxnard Dentistry team provides detailed aftercare instructions, including:
- Rest and Recovery: Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, as you’ll still be recovering from anesthesia.
- Gauze Placement: Keep gauze in place for at least 30 minutes, or up to a day if needed.
- Swelling Management: Use ice packs to minimize swelling, and your provider may prescribe steroids if necessary.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient, though stronger painkillers may be prescribed for surgical extractions.
- Oral Hygiene: Rinse with warm salt water 24 hours after the procedure to keep the sockets clean and moist. Brush and floss carefully, avoiding the extraction site.
By following these guidelines, you can promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Get Expert Care for Your Wisdom Teeth Today
Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or want to evaluate your wisdom teeth, Dr. Keihani and the team at Oxnard Dentistry are here to help. Call 805-604-9999 or book your appointment online today to ensure your oral health is in expert hands.