Wisdom teeth have a bit of a reputation. Ask almost anyone you know, and they will share a story about swollen cheeks, soft-food diets, and signs or symptoms they didn’t know were connected. So, when you start feeling soreness behind your last molar or notice a tooth partially breaking through the gums all the way in the back, your immediate thought is probably wisdom tooth extraction.
It is easy to assume wisdom teeth must come out, but that is not true for everyone. Sometimes, a wisdom tooth may be healthy enough to leave alone. Other times, it may contribute to pain, infection, decay, or problems with surrounding gums and teeth. At Sonora Dentist, Dr. Paul Berger uses advanced technology to assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is right for you.
Routine wisdom tooth extractions can often be handled right here in our office, while impacted teeth and more complex cases may call for an oral surgeon. Dr. Berger will help you understand which approach fits your situation and what comes next.
When Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Just because you have wisdom teeth does not automatically mean they must come out. The American Dental Association identifies pain, infection, gum disease, damage to a neighboring tooth, and decay that cannot or should not be restored as reasons to recommend wisdom tooth extraction. A wisdom tooth that grows in normally and stays healthy may remain in place with regular monitoring.
Problems related to wisdom teeth are more likely to develop when they don’t have room to erupt properly. If the tooth doesn’t have enough space, it may grow at an angle, remain partly covered by gum tissue, or sit so far back or out of reach that proper brushing and flossing become difficult. Poor access for cleaning can leave the wisdom tooth, and sometimes the molar beside it, more vulnerable to decay.
Sometimes you can tell something is wrong. You may notice:
- Soreness behind your last molar
- Swollen or tender gums
- Discomfort when you chew
- A persistent bad taste or unpleasant breath
What Happens During a Routine Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Even when an extraction is straightforward, there’s one question that tends to come up quickly: Will it hurt?
Dr. Berger uses local anesthetic to numb the treatment area before he begins. You may still notice pressure or movement as he works, but the area should be numb during the procedure.
If oral surgery makes you particularly anxious, Sonora Dentist also offers oral conscious sedation. This prescription medication helps you relax while remaining awake and able to communicate with Dr. Berger and his team.
During a routine wisdom tooth extraction, Dr. Berger:
- Administers a local anesthetic and waits for the area to become numb
- Carefully loosens the wisdom tooth from its socket
- Removes the tooth with dental tools
- Checks the extraction site and explains how to care for the area at home
Recovery continues after you leave the office. Some soreness and sensitivity are expected, but protecting the extraction site is an important part of healing. Follow Dr. Berger’s aftercare instructions and avoid disturbing the site. If pain becomes more intense instead of improving or something doesn’t seem right, contact our office
What if My Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?
An impacted wisdom tooth is partially or completely trapped beneath the gums or within the jawbone, preventing it from coming in the way that it should. The tooth’s position, root structure, and relationship to nearby nerves and teeth can make removal more involved than a routine extraction.
In more complex cases, an oral surgeon may be the appropriate provider for the procedure.
During your initial examination, Dr. Berger will review your dental imaging to determine what your tooth requires. Routine wisdom tooth extractions can often be handled at Sonora Dentist, while a complex impaction or other surgical concerns may call for a referral to an oral surgeon.
What Does Your Wisdom Tooth Need?
If your wisdom tooth has started causing pain, swelling, or other changes, bring it to Dr. Berger’s attention. A closer look at the tooth and your dental X-rays can reveal what symptoms alone cannot and help Dr. Berger recommend the right care.
Contact Sonora Dentist today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Berger.
