San Antonio Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Safeguard Your Smile
If your wisdom teeth become impacted, wisdom teeth removal at Oefinger Dental & Associates can help safeguard your oral health. Removing these teeth can prevent complications like decay, cavities, infections, and cysts, so your smile stays healthy and pain-free
About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the four molars at the back corners of your mouth, usually emerging between ages 17 and 25. Often, they become impacted—unable to fully erupt—due to limited jaw space or their growth angle.
The most common type of impaction, called “mesial,” occurs when a tooth is angled toward the front of your mouth. Left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to gum tenderness, swelling, or severe pain.
Partially or fully erupted wisdom teeth are also challenging to clean, making them prone to decay, infections, and gum disease. When wisdom teeth cause complications, Dr. Oefinger can perform an extraction to prevent issues like cavities, cysts, and infections.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth often cause more trouble than they’re worth, which is why removing them can be a smart decision. At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we recommend extraction for several key reasons:
Keep Your Smile in Line
When wisdom teeth erupt, they can push against other teeth, causing misalignment and crowding. Removing them helps preserve the natural balance and alignment of your smile.
Lower Infection Risks
Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly. They can become a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria. Extraction reduces the chances of decay, gum disease, and other infections.
Stop Painful Impactions
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and even infections as they press against your gums or other teeth. Removal eliminates these issues before they worsen.
Shield Nearby Teeth
Misaligned or crowded wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth by applying pressure or causing decay. Extraction protects the health and integrity of your other teeth.
Avoid Long-Term Issues
Removing wisdom teeth now can save you from more invasive procedures later, such as root canals or extensive dental repairs, helping you maintain a healthy, hassle-free smile.
Getting Ready for Your Procedure
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we tailor your experience to your needs.
We’ll begin with a panoramic X-ray to evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine if they need to be removed. If extraction is recommended, proceeding sooner rather than later is best.
The ideal time for wisdom teeth removal is during the late teens to early twenties when the roots are still developing, and the surrounding bone is less dense. This makes the procedure easier and recovery quicker, helping you get back to feeling great in no time.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
To begin, Dr. Oefinger will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic. We can also provide nitrous oxide or IV sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
If the tooth is impacted and still beneath the gums or embedded in the jawbone, we may need to remove a small portion of the surrounding bone to access it. To minimize disruption, your dentist may “section” the tooth into smaller pieces.
After your wisdom teeth are removed, the healing process begins. Recovery times can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction, but we’ll guide you through what to expect and provide clear instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Appointment
If you’ve recently learned that you need treatment for your wisdom teeth, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at our San Antonio office, and Dr. Oefinger will create an extraction plan that’s right for you.