Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure San Francisco, CA

Wisdom tooth pain is not fun. But the thought of getting them removed might be even worse. Thankfully wisdom tooth removal is a very common procedure that is usually over before you know it. Over 10 million people have their wisdom teeth removed yearly in the United States. Knowing what the procedure is like and what to expect can help ease some of the anxiety you may be feeling.

At Post Street Dental, we understand that the thought of getting your wisdom teeth removed can be daunting. Our dentists are highly skilled and experienced in performing wisdom teeth extractions, and we always ensure that our patients are comfortable before starting the procedure. If you need wisdom teeth removal in San Francisco or you are looking for the best dentist in San Francisco for the procedure, call (415) 986-4534 or complete the online booking form.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars most people get in their teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth come in without any problems. But for many others, these teeth can cause many dental problems. They may grow at an angle and become stuck beneath the gum line. This can cause pain, inflammation, and damage to the surrounding teeth like the second molars. Inadequate room for wisdom teeth can also lead to cysts, infections, and gum disease. For these reasons, it is often recommended that wisdom teeth be removed before they have a chance to cause any problems.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

At the consultation appointment, your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to get a better idea of the position of your teeth and how best to remove them. They will go over your medical history and make sure you are healthy enough to have the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around your teeth. You may also be given sedation if you are particularly anxious about the procedure. Types of anesthesia will be discussed with you at the consultation appointment, depending on the complexity of your surgery.

Once you are comfortable, your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue if your wisdom teeth are impacted. They will then remove the teeth as a whole or in pieces if necessary. You may have stitches to close the incision, which will dissolve on their own over time.

After the Procedure

After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to take care of your oral health as the wounds heal. You will receive post-operative instructions from your dentist on how to care for your mouth. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully. 

Things to avoid include:

• Spicy foods
• Crunchy foods(chips, popcorn, hard candy)
• Hot beverages
• Straws (can cause dry socket)
• Alcohol
• Spitting
• Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours as this can slow recovery
• Strenuous activity

You should also brush and floss your teeth, being careful to avoid the extraction site.

Diet After Tooth Removal

In the first 24 hours after your procedure, it is best to stick to soft foods. After that, you can slowly add other items to your diet as long as they are not hard or crunchy.

Some good options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Apple sauce
• Yogurt
• Smoothies

Wisdom Tooth Removal Risks

While wisdom tooth removal is a very common and generally safe procedure, there are always risks involved with any surgery. These risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Pain
• Dry socket
• Nerve damage

What Is Dry Socket?

Dry socket is a complication that can occur after wisdom tooth removal. It happens when the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket is removed before the socket has healed. Dry socket is very painful and can delay healing. Avoid drinking with a straw and smoking to decrease your risk of developing dry socket.

When To Call the Dentist

After having your wisdom teeth removed, it is normal to experience swelling, pain, and bleeding.

Call your dentist if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that is not controlled with medication
• Excessive bleeding
• Swelling that is getting worse
• Pus or drainage from the extraction site
• Fever 

Frequently Asked Questions