Redondo Beach Dental Group

Redondo Beach Dental Group Review | "The Best Dental Care Possible"

A Patient's Guide to Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are usually the last molars to emerge, and typically do so during a person’s late teen years or early twenties. While wisdom teeth can erupt without issue, more often than not, they can be the cause of a host of dental complications, which is why dentists often remove wisdom teeth early on.

What Types of Problems Can Occur with Wisdom Teeth?

When eruption occurs when it should, wisdom teeth appear in young adulthood. Sometimes, however, these teeth may fail to erupt. This impaction may be due to a problem with the angle in which the teeth are growing or a lack of space in the jaw. For some patients, impacted wisdom teeth never cause any problems. For others, complications can develop that include:

• Swelling, tenderness, or pain in the gums.
• Decay or periodontal disease resulting from difficulty achieving adequate oral hygiene.
• Tooth crowding or shifting of the surrounding teeth.
• Damage to the neighboring teeth, such as cracking or root resorption.

What Are the Treatment Options for Problematic Wisdom Teeth?

The gold standard of treatment for wisdom teeth that are impacted or partially erupted is extraction. Depending on the type of impaction, your dentist may be able to pull the tooth, or he or she may need to surgically remove the tooth and its roots. Your dentist will administer the appropriate type of anesthetic or sedation for the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level.

What is Involved in Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare?

Your dentist will give you a guide to appropriate aftercare based on the type of extraction you had. General rules include controlling any bleeding and pain, protecting the clot, and adhering to a diet of soft foods and liquids.

If you are experiencing dental problems that you think may be related to your wisdom teeth, contact us at Redondo Beach Dental Group. We offer a variety of dental services, including extractions, dental implants, treatment for periodontal disease, and more. Call (310) 542-6988 today for an appointment.

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What Are the Parts of a Tooth?

While teeth may appear to be nothing more than bone, the truth is that there’s actually a complex anatomy to each one. From the visible parts of the tooth, such as the crown, to the hidden parts, such as the pulp, each aspect of your teeth need to be healthy for optimal oral health.

Watch this video to learn about the different parts of the teeth, as well as the purpose for each part. Be sure to brush and floss properly at least twice per day to prevent decay and periodontal disease.

Contact us here at Redondo Beach Dental Group if you are in need of dental services. We offer Invisalign, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well as preventative care, dental implants, and tooth restorations. Call (310) 542-6988 for more information.

Could You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

For some people, dental anxiety can prevent them from seeking out the dental care that they need. For others, there is no real fear of dental procedures, but the sights, sounds, smells, and time in the chair can be especially uncomfortable for them. If fear or the thought of being uncomfortable is preventing you from obtaining proper dental care, you may benefit from sedation dentistry.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of medications, either oral, inhaled, or intravenous, to bring about a calmed, relaxed, or semi-conscious state in a dental patient. In cases of extreme dental phobia, unconscious sedation may be used in which the patient is asleep for the entire procedure.

What Are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?

Depending on your needs, your general or cosmetic dentist may use one of three different types of sedation. These include:

• Oral sedation. This is a medication that you take by mouth prior to your dental appointment so that you are relaxed by the time your procedure begins. You will remember your procedure, but you won’t be unsettled during the time you’re in the chair.
• Inhaled sedation. This is a gas that your dentist administers chair-side and usually consists of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. You may remember your procedure, but details can be hazy.
• IV sedation. This is a medication that is injected intravenously to bring about a state of deep relaxation or semi-consciousness. You’ll typically have little to no recollection of your procedure with this type of sedation.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Sedation dentistry may be right for you if you struggle with mild to severe dental anxiety. You may also benefit from sedation dentistry if you require complex procedures, such as root canals, dental implants, or aggressive treatment for periodontal disease.

Contact us at Redondo Beach Dental Group if you require dental care but are uneasy about having the work done. We can explain your sedation options in more detail and work with you to ensure that you are completely comfortable for your procedures. Call (310) 542-6988 for an appointment.