11611 Rancho Bernardo Rd #103 San Diego, CA: (858) 500-1452 | 985 S Santa Fe Ave Vista, CA: (760) 203-5435

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- Wisdom Teeth Extractions -

Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Vista and San Diego

The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom”.

In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.

There are several types, or degrees, of impaction based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw:

    Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth (the crown) has penetrated through the bone, but the gingiva (gum) is covering part or all of the tooth’s crown and has not positioned properly around the tooth. Because it is difficult to keep the area clean, food can become trapped below the gum and cause an infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.

    Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has partially erupted, but a portion of the crown remains submerged below the gum and surrounding jawbone. Again, because it is difficult to keep the area clean, infection will commonly occur.

    Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is completely encased by jawbone. This will require more complex removal techniques.

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Reasons to remove wisdom teeth:

If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:

Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease) and possible bone loss.
Disease: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.

Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.

Tooth Crowding: It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.

Wisdom teeth examination

As with any dental procedure, your dentist will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital X-rays will be taken in order for your dentist to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems. The X-rays can also expose additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth extractions. Only after a thorough examination can your dentist provide you with the best options for your particular case.

What does the removal of wisdom teeth involve?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, generally performed under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a specially trained dentist in an office surgery suite. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.

Your Caring, Local Dentist In San Diego & Vista

If you are looking for a dental practice that can provide quality general, cosmetic, and restorative services you and your family deserve, Oasis Smiles is the right choice for you.

We combine seasoned chairside manners with cutting-edge technology to ensure you're in reliable, capable hands that are adamant about delivering satisfying results. We can't wait to welcome you into one of our clean, friendly offices in either Vista or San Diego.

We believe in convenient procedures without skimping on the quality of results. Request your appointment!

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    San Diego Location

    Address: 11611 Rancho Bernardo Rd #103 San Diego, CA 92127Telephone: +1 (858) 500-1452Email: moc.liamg%40brselimssisaoOffice Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Patient treatment is scheduled Mon, Tues, Wed, or Fri only

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    Vista Location

    Address: 985 S Santa Fe Ave Vista, CA 92083Telephone: +1 (760) 203-5435Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM