Wisdom Teeth Removal in Walnut Creek, CA
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Remove Third Molars To Prevent Oral Health Issues
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually emerge around the age of 17 or in the early twenties. The average mouth does not have enough room for an additional set of molars, which is why dentists and oral surgeons recommend having them removed early.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Karas and Dr. Williams specialize in removing these teeth. Maintaining regular checkups with your dentist will help them track the development of your wisdom teeth, and they will refer you to an oral surgeon when it is time to have them extracted. Contact Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams and to find out if you need your wisdom teeth removed.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth can often become impacted, or trapped beneath the gums. When this happens, the tooth grows at an angle toward the neighboring teeth. This can damage the other teeth and nearby nerves, as well as cause other teeth to shift out of place.
Canine teeth in the front of the mouth can also become impacted, but because they are crucial for a healthy bite, they are guided into place with an expose and bond procedure. Wisdom teeth, however, are not necessary for proper oral health and function and are simply removed.
An Impacted Wisdom Tooth Can Cause:
Infections
Partially erupted teeth become traps for food, leading to bacteria and plaque buildup. This causes infections, which can progress to gum disease or tooth decay if left untreated.
Tumors and Cysts
Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, or tumors can form in the tissue around an impacted wisdom tooth. These can damage the jaw bone and nearby teeth, and become more difficult to treat the longer wisdom teeth remain in the mouth.
Bad Breath
Bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath. When there is an infection present due to wisdom teeth, you may experience ongoing bad breath, gum tenderness, and cavities.
Dental shifting
Wisdom teeth are large and strong. If they grow sideways, they bump into adjacent teeth and can push them out of alignment. This can lead to other teeth shifting out of place and bite problems.
We recommend removing wisdom teeth early because younger patients tend to have smoother recoveries. Additionally, the wisdom teeth are easier to remove when they are not fully developed. Dr. Karas and Dr. Williams can remove wisdom teeth at any age. If you're unsure whether or not you have wisdom teeth, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our team.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
During your first visit, we will take detailed 3D scans of your mouth. These digital images tell us where nerves are located and the exact shape and size of your wisdom teeth. We offer many anesthesia options, although you will likely be under IV sedation. This puts you into a semi-conscious state where you are able to answer questions asked by your surgeon, but are not aware of the procedure and do not feel pain.
Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams will extract visible wisdom teeth with forceps, similar to a standard tooth extraction. To access teeth below the gums, Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams will make a small incision in the gum tissue. He may break large teeth into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Any incisions will be stitched closed, and you will rest in our recovery area until the anesthesia wears off.
Some procedures will take longer than others depending on the number of wisdom teeth and if any are impacted. A typical wisdom tooth extraction procedure is performed in less than 1 hour.
Prior to undergoing IV sedation, you must not have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before surgery. You must have a responsible adult present in the office during your surgery to drive you home afterward. This person should stay with you for 24 hours to assist you while you’re under the effects of anesthesia.
Our office will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions. You can use over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs to minimize pain and swelling. These instructions will explain how to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after surgery. If you ever have questions, please contact our office.
What Is the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Walnut Creek, CA, and Is It Covered By Insurance?
The exact cost of having your wisdom teeth removed varies from person to person, as everyone’s needs are different. We take several factors into the cost, including how many wisdom teeth you have, your dental insurance, your choice of anesthesia, and if you have any impacted wisdom teeth. We will provide you with a cost estimate prior to performing treatment.
Most dental insurance companies have some level of benefits for wisdom tooth extractions. To find out your coverage, contact your insurance company ahead of time.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Wisdom Teeth Removal and other procedures.
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was impressed by his knowledge and the fact that he had seen every scenario when it had came to wisdom teeth. I felt very welcomed and like I was in good hands, that he knew he was doing, and he clearly answered all my questions. "
"The staff has always been very available and happy to help. Dr. Karas has been a wonderful, wonderful doctor to work with. I've always felt very, very well taken care of by Dr. Karas, and again, very positive experience. My procedure went well and the recovery was easy."
"Dr. Karas, he was really nice. It was really easy to talk to him, and he made sure that I understood everything, and if I had any questions, I was very comfortable to ask them. My recovery was very fast and smooth."
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson
Walnut Creek
"I really respect and appreciate the fact that Dr. Karas is an MD. He's up-to-date with all the latest techniques, and he's really committed to what he does, and he really is committed to being the best he can be, and it shows in his care. I will continue to refer my patients to Dr. Karas."
"When I first walked into the practice, I felt refreshed. It's a very new and modern environment and everybody was really welcoming at the front desk. Dr. Karas for me from the moment I met him just made me feel like family. Very warm, very professional."
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was very impressed. He was friendly. He was direct, explained everything that he was going to do before he did it."
"Dr. Karas' staff has always been very professional, very helpful, very welcoming. Dr. Karas is a very open and very friendly doctor. He has been very thorough in his explanations of what he's doing."
"When I first walked into the practice, it was check you in, sit down, and in a few minutes, you're seeing the doctor. Dr. Karas exudes confidence and makes you feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Recovery was quick. I, at this point, couldn't even tell you which teeth are implants and which ones aren't implants."
"When I came in here—meeting with the staff and everybody in the office, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Karas always gives the explanation that gives confidence to me in what the result will be."
Frequently Asked Questions
To prevent dry socket, do not use a straw for the first 3 days after surgery. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot within the empty tooth socket becomes dislodged.
How Can We Help You?
Contact our office to schedule an appointment or use the buttons below to learn more about our practice.