Wisdom Tooth Extraction
As children transition to adulthood, our adult teeth replace our baby teeth and move into position. By mid-teens, all teeth, except the wisdom teeth, emerge. The term "wisdom teeth" refers to the late-developing third molars. Our mouths can comfortably accommodate 28 teeth, but nature often equips us with 32. This extra set, known as the wisdom teeth, can cause issues due to limited space.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth
So, why consider wisdom teeth removal in Tahoe? For some, fully erupted wisdom teeth pose no issue, but this is rare. Most struggle with space constraints and cleaning these hard-to-reach molars. Even if your wisdom teeth have fully emerged, dentists may recommend removal due to difficulty maintaining cleanliness and a tendency for decay. Misaligned wisdom teeth can also lead to impactions, risking inflammation and infection.
Our oral surgeons in Tahoe, Dr. Martin and Dr. Appelblatt, advise early removal of wisdom teeth, especially if they remain covered by gum and bone, to prevent complications like cysts or tumors within the jawbone. The ideal removal age is between 16 and 22 when patients recover quickly from surgery.
The Evaluation
For wisdom teeth evaluation, you'll meet with Drs. Martin and Appelblatt for an in-depth examination, including x-rays, to determine the position of your wisdom teeth. Post-assessment, they will explain their recommended treatment plan. Early evaluation and treatment lead to better patient outcomes.
The Tooth Removal Process
Removal is typically performed under anesthesia for maximum patient comfort. Our oral surgeons, Dr. Martin, and Dr. Appelblatt, are fully licensed to administer local and IV sedation. The procedure involves monitoring with specialized equipment while under sedation. You'll receive a postoperative packet with all necessary supplies and instructions post-procedure.
On the day of surgery, if you have chosen to have IV sedation anesthesia, you will arrive at the office with an empty stomach and someone to drive you home. Our wonderful oral surgery assistants will set you up with all the specialized equipment we use to monitor you while you are asleep.
Once fully set up, Dr. Martin or Dr. Appelblatt will place a small IV and administer the sedation. The next thing you know, the procedure is over, and you wake up with gauze in your mouth. We then monitor you until you're safe to be discharged, and we will send you home with a postoperative packet containing extra gauze, written instructions, Sockit® to help with post-op pain and any required prescriptions.
Recovery and Aftercare
Our Tahoe Oral Surgery team will follow up after surgery to ensure proper healing. Most patients don't require a post-op appointment, but we're more than happy to schedule it if desired. Please feel free to call us with any post-op questions; our team will gladly help you.
Standard tips for wisdom tooth extraction recovery include: 
- Eat a soft or liquid diet and stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco use during recovery.
- Keep your head elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling.
- Avoid sucking from a straw, spitting, or rinsing your mouth vigorously.
- Avoid touching the surgical site, including when brushing and flossing.
Contact Our Oral Surgery Offices Today
Contact us today for more information regarding wisdom tooth removal extraction in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe.
