Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last ones to grow inside your mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people never have any problems with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain, crowding, and other issues that require extraction. The good news is that wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure and is typically very successful. Schedule an appointment with St. Helena Dental Studio and let our dentist confirm whether extracting your wisdom teeth is the proper treatment.
Common-dental-Symptoms-St Helena

Common Symptoms Indicating It's Time for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

The symptoms that may indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person. Our dental professionals come across these common signs:

  • Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth or jaw
  • Swelling or redness around the gums in the area of the wisdom teeth
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
  • Gum bleeding or tender gums
  • Infection or abscesses in the gums
  • Crowding or shifting of other teeth
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Headaches or earaches

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or other discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, see our oral surgeon or dentist for an evaluation.

What Involves in the Extraction of Wisdom Teeth?

Here is a general procedure for wisdom teeth removal:

Consultation: Our dentists offer an initial consultation to discuss the process and any concerns you may have. They will review your medical history, take X-rays, and assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.

Anesthesia: You will receive anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or teeth to be extracted. We may provide local anesthesia for numbing only the immediate area or general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure.

Extraction: We will use specialized tools to loosen the wisdom tooth and remove it from the socket. Sometimes, it may require a gum incision to access the tooth.

Recovery: You will remain at the dental office to allow the anesthesia to wear off and monitor any bleeding. We will provide instructions on caring for the extraction site at home, including ways to clean it and what to eat and drink.

Our team will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress and remove any stitches if necessary. They will also advise you when it is safe to resume normal activities, such as exercise or eating solid foods.


All-on-4® Versus Dentures

There are several ways in which All-on-4® implants are better than dentures. Patients take care of All-on-4® implants in the same way they care for their natural teeth by brushing each day. The implants also operate in the same way as natural teeth, so the patient does not have to be cautious of what he or she eats. Along with the fact that patients do not have to remove All-on-4® implants when eating or cleaning the teeth, there is also no need for uncomfortable wires or brackets to hold the implants in place. Even more importantly for patients, the dental implants allow anyone to eat what the heart desires. You do not have to worry about hot or cold affecting your dentures. You also can bite down with up to 70 percent more force, which allows you to eat the foods that you love. Finally, All-on-4® implants look exactly like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that you are wearing a dental prosthetic. From a dental health perspective, it is important to note that when you have All-on-4® implants, it is going to prevent bone deterioration in the jawbone and ultimately restore your facial features by fighting resorption. The process of resorption involves the implants stimulating the jaw to send a message to the body that the jaw is supporting teeth once again. Resorption will help the jawbone to regain some of the mass that it has lost previously. Many of our patients who visit our office notice a difference in their facial structure as a result.

Contact St. Helena Dentist for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Services

There can be many issues with wisdom teeth, including not having enough room in the mouth for them. When this happens, they get stuck and can't come in fully. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. A dental assessment and the right treatment plan from our dental professionals can help you enjoy life without discomfort with wisdom teeth. If there is a need for wisdom teeth removal, you can trust our team for prompt services. They can help determine if extraction is necessary and discuss your best removal options. Call us and book your slot for removing wisdom teeth.
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The Process of Getting All-on-4® at St. Helena Dental Studio

Typically, the surgery takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes per arch. We can install your All-on-4® implants on your upper, lower, or both arches at the same time. While a dentist may make the process look easy, the surgery is a complex procedure that we can complete at an efficient pace. The process of getting All-on-4® implants can be laid out in four steps:
01.
A detailed examination where we will look at your records, existing conditions, whether you have a denture, what your facial structure needs are, and any other factors that may come into play when placing your implants.
02.
Typically involves CT scans, which are 3D pictures, of the jawbone. The scans include the positions of the replacement teeth, while also giving us critical information about where the bone sinuses and nerves are located for the implants.
03.
Involves creating a computer simulation of the implants, which we digitally position into the jawbone at the appropriate location to give you the most support from your replacement teeth. We can adjust the implants as need be and fabricate your new set of teeth for your needs.
04.
Finally, the most important step is the oral surgery. During surgery, we will provide you with anesthesia and then place the implants directly into your jawbone to secure your new set of teeth in place.