Wisdom Teeth Specialist

Omni Dental Specialty

General Dentistry & Orthodontist located in Oxnard, CA

While some people’s wisdom teeth come in with no issues, it’s possible that you won’t have enough room in your jaw for them to emerge, or they might not erupt correctly. When you have issues with your wisdom teeth, you can count on Kourosh Keihani, DDS, and the team at Omni Dental Specialty in Oxnard, California, for expert care and extractions. Call the office today or request an appointment online.

805-366-6000

Wisdom Teeth Q & A

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, and they typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. They’re called wisdom teeth because they erupt when you’re more mature and, presumably, wiser than when most of your adult teeth developed.

Your wisdom teeth can cause dental problems if there isn’t enough room in your jaw or if they don’t come in correctly.

Why would I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

The most common reason for wisdom teeth removal is when there isn’t enough room in your jaw to accommodate them. Your dental team at Omni Dental Specialty also removes wisdom teeth if they become impacted in your jaw. Other reasons for wisdom teeth extraction include:

Pain or infection
Damage to other teeth
Tooth decay or gum disease
Cysts or tumors
Orthodontic treatment

Having problematic wisdom teeth extracted can help you avoid potential complications.

What happens during an extraction?

Dr. Keihani begins extractions by thoroughly numbing your teeth and jaw with a local anesthetic. He also offers nitrous oxide to help you stay relaxed throughout the extraction process. They provide IV sedation upon request and depending on your individual needs.

If possible, they use a simple extraction method to loosen your wisdom teeth and pull them from your jaw. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, they’ll remove your wisdom teeth surgically. This involves small incisions in your jaw to access the impacted teeth.

How should I take care of my teeth after an extraction?

After your wisdom teeth are removed, your dental team provides customized advice on how to take care of yourself while you heal and recover. You need a friend or family member to drive you home as you’ll be recovering from the anesthetic. Your sockets will be packed with gauze, which you’ll need to leave in place for at least a half-hour, and potentially up to a day.

Your provider may prescribe steroids to control any swelling, and painkillers if you needed a surgical extraction. However, in most cases, over-the-counter pain medication effectively minimizes any discomfort. You can also apply ice packs to reduce swelling.

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water 24 hours after your extraction can help keep your sockets clean and moist while they heal. You should brush and floss, but take extra care around the extraction site.

If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth or a damaged tooth, call Omni Dental Specialty or request an appointment online today.