Wisdom Teeth

wisdom teeth

Unless you are one of the lucky few, if you are in your late teens or early twenties, it is either time or very close to time for you to have your wisdom teeth removed. If that time has come, please call Kathy Cosmetic Dentistry at 818-347-1550 and make an appointment with Dr. Kathy Daroee, our dentist, for wisdom teeth removal in Woodland Hills, California.

Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth get their name from the fact that they erupt after childhood, when a person has supposedly grown wiser with age. But because they erupt so late, there is often not enough space for them to properly emerge. They may erupt at an improper angle or even remain partly or completely in the jaw or under the gums. This can cause problems for your smile such as issues with your tooth alignment, damage to your other teeth or jaw, infections and inflammation in your gums, cysts and increased incidents of tooth decay. In rare occasions, some people do not need to have their wisdom teeth removed, however, Dr. Daroee will be able to make that determination for you. Some of the signs that it may be time to call our office for a wisdom tooth appointment include pain or swelling around your jaw, problems opening your mouth, problems with your gums and even bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our team today.

Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ

What are wisdom teeth?

Your third molars, more commonly called wisdom teeth, are the last teeth in your mouth to erupt. Because they are the final teeth to come in, there is not usually enough space in your mouth to accommodate them, leading to the teeth coming in at an incorrect angle or becoming impacted (unable to erupt properly). Our dentist will carefully evaluate your teeth and smile to determine if wisdom tooth removal is the right option for your oral health needs.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth that are unable to erupt properly can lead to a number of dental problems, including:

  • Misalignment of your other teeth
  • Tooth damage
  • Tooth decay
  • Infection and inflammation
  • The formation of cysts
  • Damage to your jawbone or other supporting oral structures

By having your wisdom teeth removed, you can avoid these and other serious oral health problems to keep your mouth and smile healthy. As your wisdom teeth erupt at different rates, significant damage can occur before you begin to notice that there is a problem in your mouth. For this reason, we recommend that you keep your regular dental appointments so that our dentist can monitor tooth eruption. We also recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later to avoid more significant damage to your smile.

What should I do after my wisdom teeth have been extracted?

After your wisdom tooth removal procedure, we recommend that you:

  • Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Do not touch the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
  • Use ice packs at 20-minute intervals to relieve swelling and manage discomfort.
  • Use mild pain relievers, such as TYLENOL® or ibuprofen, as needed.
  • Use any prescribed medications as directed.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Do not use a straw to drink.
  • Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products for at least five days after surgery.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and do not exercise for three to four days after surgery.
  • If the muscles of your jaw become stiff, apply warm, moist heat to that area of your face.
  • After the first day, use a warm saltwater rinse after eating to flush out food debris. We recommend ½ teaspoon in an 8-ounce glass of water.
  • Maintain a soft diet, and do not eat anything that could get stuck in your teeth, such as nuts, seeds, rice, popcorn, sticky candy, etc.

Please follow all pre- and post-op instructions provided by our dentist to avoid complications in your recovery and to achieve the best possible results from your treatment.

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