Dr. Joseph Goodman is a top Beverly Hills dentist, specializing in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.
If you need wisdom tooth extraction or you’re concerned about future problems with wisdom tooth impaction, Dr. Goodman will conduct a thorough exam to determine whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth.
They come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the “Age of Wisdom.”
Research has shown that gum disease that develops around the wisdom teeth can get worse over time and affect nearby teeth. But it may improve after the extraction of the wisdom tooth.
In some cases, a fluid-filled cyst or tumor may form around the untreated wisdom tooth. As the cyst grows it can cause major damage, hollowing out the jaw and damaging the surrounding nerves, teeth, and other vital structures.
Dr. Goodman extracts wisdom teeth with special and gentle care. Nitrous oxide, local anesthetics, Valium, or sleeping pills are available for your comfort.
Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, or if your wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped in the jawbone or gums), you should have them removed. Wisdom teeth that come in at the wrong angle should also be removed.
Some of the possible problems related to wisdom teeth can include:
Infection or gum disease – When there’s not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in, the gum tissue around the tooth can become irritated and infected. This can cause pain, swelling, and problems with chewing or swallowing.
Cyst formation – Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the jawbone when the wisdom teeth become impacted. Cysts can get bigger over time, destroying the adjacent jawbone and even neighboring teeth.
Tooth decay – If food becomes trapped behind wisdom teeth that are impacted, partially erupted or ingrown, this can lead to tooth decay.
Crowding – Impacted wisdom teeth can cause or contribute to tooth crowding, especially the front lower teeth. This can cause dental problems and complicate orthodontic treatments to straighten the teeth.
Before the Procedure
During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Goodman will advise you on whether to stop taking any medications in the days leading up to the procedure. He will also let you know whether to avoid eating or drinking before your appointment and for how long.
Plan to bring someone with you to the procedure who can drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. The procedure itself usually takes from 30-60 minutes, but you should plan to be in the office for at least 90 minutes.
What to Expect During the Procedure
On the day of your procedure, Dr. Goodman will give you medications to manage post-operative pain and swelling. Dr. Goodman will numb the area with a local anesthetic and administer nitrous oxide or other medications or sedatives, as needed.
During the wisdom tooth extraction, Dr. Goodman makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. Then he will remove any bone that blocks access to the tooth root and divide (break) the tooth into sections so that it can be removed in pieces.
Once the tooth/teeth are completely removed, Dr. Goodman will clean the site, clear out any debris, and stitch the wound closed, if needed.
The team will place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding. If you do need stitches, Dr. Goodman typically uses the type that dissolves in 3 to 5 days and does not require removal.
Recovery After the Procedure
As you heal from your surgery, you may have some minor bleeding in the first day or two. This is normal, but avoid excessive spitting so that you don’t dislodge the blood clot from the socket.
You may be able to manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. Dr. Goodman may also prescribe you a prescription pain reliever, especially if he removes bone during the procedure.
Swelling in the cheeks is normal after wisdom tooth removal and usually improves in 2-3 days. An ice pack can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
After your procedure, plan to rest for the remainder of the day and night. Drink plenty of water after the surgery, and avoid alcohol and carbonated and caffeinated beverages for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Eat soft foods, such as yogurt and applesauce, for the first 24 hours. Slowly introduce semi-soft foods.
Don’t brush your teeth, floss, or rinse with mouthwash for 24 hours after the surgery. Don’t smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery, and don’t chew tobacco for at least a week. Tobacco products can delay healing and cause complications.
If you receive dissolvable stitches, they will disintegrate on their own within 3-5 days.
What If I Want to Keep My Wisdom Teeth?
If you choose to keep your wisdom teeth after consulting a dental professional, it’s important to clean and floss your teeth regularly, especially your molars. Also, make sure that you get your biannual checkups.
What Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?
The fees to have your wisdom teeth removed will depend on how difficult it is to remove your teeth, how many teeth need to be removed, and other factors, including which type of anesthetic you need.
During your consultation, Dr. Goodman and his team will give you a better idea of what costs to expect. Our office will work with any insurance plans you have to help you obtain maximum coverage for your treatment. Some medical insurance plans cover oral surgery, and most dental insurance plans will cover at least some of the costs.
Contact our Los Angeles dentist’s office at 310-254-2290 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodman. We will answer all your questions and help you get prepared for your visit.