Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sonoma, CA
Safely Remove Third Molars
Wisdom teeth develop in the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Most dentists and oral surgeons will recommend having these teeth extracted as soon as possible because there is not enough room in the mouth for an additional set of molars. Your second molars are already responsible for chewing food, making wisdom teeth unnecessary for oral function.
Dr. Boynton performs wisdom tooth extractions at our Sonoma office. By having third molars extracted, you and your child can avoid a number of health issues associated with wisdom teeth. Contact Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today to schedule your consultation for wisdom teeth removal in Sonoma, CA.
Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Fully erupted wisdom teeth can maintain proper alignment and may not need to be extracted, but this is rare. When a wisdom tooth is trapped beneath the gums, it is referred to as an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth may partially erupt or remain fully under the gums. These teeth must be surgically removed because they will not naturally align nor erupt.
A partially erupted wisdom tooth is difficult to clean around, increasing the risk of food and bacteria accumulating around the tooth. If infected, cysts or tumors can form around the tooth. Wisdom teeth that are stuck below the gums can grow sideways, damaging adjacent teeth and pushing them out of alignment. The sooner you have wisdom teeth removed, the better the outcome. Younger patients often have faster recoveries, but you can undergo wisdom tooth extraction at any age.
Signs of Wisdom Teeth
You can develop between one and four wisdom teeth, more than four, or none at all. Your general dentist takes X-rays at regular checkups and will refer you to an oral surgeon if wisdom teeth are detected. Common signs and symptoms of wisdom teeth include:
- Chronic bad breath caused by infection
- Visibly seeing the top of a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that easily bleed
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
- Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth or jaws
If you experience any of these conditions, contact Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Sonoma, CA, for a consultation with one of our expert oral surgeons.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
At your first visit, Dr. Boynton will take 3D scans to examine the wisdom teeth, then create a treatment plan to safely manage them. Most wisdom teeth procedures are performed using IV sedation. We offer all types of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia, laughing gas, and IV sedation. Ask us about EXPAREL®, an opioid-free pain relief option following surgery.
After we administer the anesthesia, your oral surgeon will remove erupted wisdom teeth using forceps, similar to a simple tooth extraction. For impacted wisdom teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Sutures will be placed over the extraction sites as necessary, and you will rest in our office until our doctors feel you are ready to leave. When undergoing IV sedation, a responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours after surgery.
Types of Anesthesia
Our practice offers many types of anesthesia and sedation for your comfort.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Sonoma, CA
The cost of wisdom teeth removal treatment varies for each patient. At the consultation, we will examine your condition and provide you with a cost estimate. When determining the cost of wisdom teeth removal, we take into consideration the number of wisdom teeth, the complexity of surgery, your choice of anesthesia, and your insurance. Our office accepts many forms of payment and there are financing options available to help you afford the oral surgery you need. Visit our Financial & Insurance Information page to learn more.
Bank Stem Cells With Stemodontics®
Wisdom teeth can benefit you even after they are removed. These teeth contain a lot of stem cells, which can be banked in a laboratory with Stemodontics. Your stem cells can differentiate into different types of cells in the body. Take control of your future and discuss stem cell banking with your oral surgeon.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"My name is Angela, I live in Sonoma, and I came to Sonoma Valley Oral Surgery to get my upper wisdom teeth removed. I was very nervous to get my wisdom teeth out. Dr. Boynton put me at ease by explaining everything, answering all my questions, and he's very thorough and friendly and approachable. It was so much easier than I thought it was going to be. I think I had my wisdom teeth removed on a Friday; I was back to work that Monday or Tuesday, so it was very easy. I would absolutely recommend Sonoma Valley Oral Surgery to anyone looking to get their wisdom teeth removed. It was a great experience."
"Hi, my name’s Georgia, I live in Sonoma, California, and I came to Sonoma Valley Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth out. I was nervous, but walking into the practice I immediately felt comfortable and safe. The team is really nice, professional, and very efficient. Dr. Boynton is really calm and just a really nice guy. My procedure went really well. I healed super quickly. On a scale of one to five stars, I would give Sonoma Valley Oral Surgery five whole stars. If any of my friends in Sonoma or American Canyon needed to get their wisdom teeth out, I would tell them to go to Dr. Boynton."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent my wisdom teeth from becoming impacted?
You cannot prevent wisdom teeth from becoming impacted. Some wisdom teeth develop in alignment with other teeth, while others become impacted because there is not enough room for them in the dental arch.
How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth extracted?
If you experience any of the signs above, you may require wisdom tooth removal. Your dentist is often the first person to discover the presence of wisdom teeth. It's important to see your dentist for regular checkups so that your wisdom teeth can be managed quickly.
Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
Most wisdom teeth extraction procedures use a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia, resulting in little to no discomfort during surgery. You can manage post-operative pain with over-the-counter medications and ice packs. Your instructions will guide you on how to brush and rinse your mouth, what foods to avoid, and more. Be sure to avoid straws or smoking for one week, as these actions could dislodge the blood clot and result in a painful condition known as dry socket.
We care about your health following surgery and offer a non-addictive alternative to opioid pain medications called EXPAREL. One dose can provide pain relief for up to three days after surgery.
Are wisdom teeth always extracted?
It is rare for wisdom teeth to fully develop without causing issues. In most cases, your dentist and oral surgeon will recommend having them extracted to prevent future problems.
A Team Committed to Your Oral Health
We put patient safety and comfort at the forefront of our practice to ensure better oral health outcomes and experiences. Contact us to find out how our trusted team of oral surgery specialists can help you and your loved ones.