If you're experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, we're here to help. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are located at the very back of your mouth and typically emerge in your late teens to early twenties. Sometimes, these teeth become impacted—meaning they fail to fully erupt due to limited space in your jaw or unfavorable angles. The most common impacted type is "mesial," where the tooth angles forward toward the front of your mouth.

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Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to discomfort, swelling, and gum tenderness if left untreated. Partially erupted or fully impacted wisdom teeth are also more challenging to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay, infections, and gum disease.

 

Simple vs. Complicated Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Simple wisdom tooth extraction is typically performed when the tooth has fully erupted and is accessible. In these cases, the procedure involves numbing the area with local anesthesia, and the tooth can often be removed in one piece without significant difficulty.

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Complicated wisdom tooth extraction is necessary when the tooth is impacted, broken, or embedded deeply in the jawbone. Impacted teeth may require bone removal or sectioning of the tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate removal. This procedure might involve sedation or general anesthesia, especially if the extraction is more complex or if multiple teeth are involved. These procedures tend to take longer and may require stitches and a more extended recovery period.

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Every patient’s situation is unique. Our experienced dentists will evaluate your oral health, often using panoramic X-rays, to determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary. We recommend addressing problematic wisdom teeth sooner rather than later, especially since they are often easier to remove when you are in your late teens or early twenties—when the roots are not fully developed and the surrounding bone is less dense, which can lead to quicker recovery.

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The removal process involves numbing the area with local anesthesia, with sedation options available if you're feeling anxious. Because impacted wisdom teeth are frequently embedded in the jawbone, a small amount of bone may need to be removed to extract the tooth. To minimize bone removal and make the procedure easier, your dentist may section the tooth into smaller pieces.

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After extraction, the healing process begins. Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, but our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth and comfortable healing experience.

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If you think you need your wisdom teeth evaluated or removed, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with My Dentist in Bakersfield today. We’re here to keep your smile healthy and comfortable!

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