Pacifica Dentist
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Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

September 21, 2023
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Posted By: Dr. Ryan Henspetter
A woman getting a dental exam

Some patients experience wisdom tooth eruption or complications in their late teens or early adulthood. But whether you need wisdom tooth removal depends on your situation.

If the teeth erupt normally and do not put pressure on necessary teeth, you’ll likely not need extraction.

However, if the wisdom teeth cause complications, your Pacifica dentist will discuss wisdom tooth removal with you.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, sometimes called third molars, come in years after your adult teeth. They are located at the back of the mouth—one on each jaw arch—and do not serve a purpose or enhance smile aesthetics. Some patients have all four wisdom teeth, and others do not.

You may need a single wisdom tooth extraction or as many as four.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Extracting

Partial Tooth Eruption

Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t have the space to erupt fully. Partial eruptions leave your gum open and vulnerable to infection.

Arch Space Issues

Many jaw arches do not have the space to accommodate wisdom teeth. If space is an issue, your dentist may recommend extraction.

Pain or Infection

It can be painful if your wisdom teeth are pushing on your other teeth. Additionally, partially erupted teeth may lead to infection.

About Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Pacifica, CAA tooth wearing a stethoscope

We use image-guided technology to extract wisdom teeth. Further, we ensure the treatment site is fully anesthetized before starting work.

For patients who are having surgical or complex extractions, we can also discuss sedation dentistry options with you.

After extraction, we provide aftercare instructions to ensure a fast and straightforward recovery. Typically, you’ll feel better daily over the first week and can use over-the-counter pain relievers for any discomfort.

Contact Us for Wisdom Teeth Extractions Near Me

To learn more or arrange a consultation with our gentle and compassionate dentist, call us today.

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (650) 359-1646
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