Teeth Extractions
in San Luis Obispo, California

Wisdom teeth don’t make you wise. Sometimes, they just make your mouth hurt. Even if you haven’t seen your third set of molars peak above your gumline, know that they are still there. At Magnolia Dental, we take X-rays as a part of your regular dental checkups. These X-rays will allow us to predict when or if these teeth may become a problem.

A board-certified professional at Magnolia Dental will examine your X-rays and tell you when you might need to get your wisdom teeth removed. If you suddenly feel pain as your wisdom teeth erupt through the gumline, call us right away. We will see you as soon as possible!

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

• Your teeth are impacted: Because they're so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth may not come in normally. They can become trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
• They came in at the wrong angle: They may press against your other teeth, causing severe pain.
• Your mouth isn’t big enough: Your jaw has no room for an extra set of molars and becomes crowded.
• You have tooth decay or gum disease: You may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss, even with great hygiene routines.

Before the Surgery:

You and your dentist will discuss each step of the dental extraction process before the procedure. Make sure you mention any prescription drug use, health issues, or other concerns that could impact your procedure. Also, make sure to get enough time off work for both the procedure and your recovery afterward.

The Procedure:

Dental extractions are safe and straightforward. Your dentist cuts into your gums and removes the tooth. It takes about 45 minutes. This procedure may involve cutting into bone as well, but don’t worry. We offer your choice of oral sedation or laughing gas for this procedure to minimize your discomfort and help you relax.

After the Procedure:

You may have to bite down on gauze to stop any bleeding. Please keep it in place as long as you are told to do so. You might also need to wait before you drive home. Some anesthetics will keep you groggy after the procedure, so it’s best to be safe.

Your dentist may write a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication. This will prevent infection and reduce your pain and swelling. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or other issues following you should contact Magnolia Dental for follow-up treatment.

You may experience pain and swelling for up to three days following the procedure. Ice can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid hard foods and exercise your mouth by slowly opening and closing it. Also, don’t forget to hydrate!

Smoking, drinking through straws, and harshly swishing any kind of liquid should be avoided as well. These things can loosen blood clots and cause unnecessary damage.