Wisdom Tooth Dentist in Fresno, CA

Wisdom teeth are the last of the teeth to come in; common signs of wisdom tooth eruption include:

• Tender and Swollen Gums — One of the first signs that wisdom teeth are coming in is tender and swollen gums, primarily at the back of the mouth; it may occur on one or both sides. There may also be a small red swelling at the gum line where the tooth is trying to erupt.
• Headaches — Wisdom teeth can cause inflammation and pressure on the neighboring teeth when they become trapped under the gums. This can trigger headaches. Regular headaches may not automatically be associated with wisdom teeth, but if they occur alongside tender gums at the back of the mouth, it is worth mentioning to a dentist.
• Gum Infection — Sometimes only part of the tooth emerges from the gum tissue, depending on the position of the wisdom teeth. As a result, bacteria and food particles can become trapped around the partially erupted tooth; even with careful and diligent brushing and flossing, an infection called pericoronitis may develop. Pericoronitis causes pain, swelling, and inflammation; a foul-smelling discharge, unpleasant taste, and bad breath may also occur.
• Jaw Pain — Wisdom teeth may push against the molars next to them as they erupt; this pressure can cause jaw pain or discomfort. It may be difficult to open or close your mouth. Another cause of jaw pain from wisdom teeth is from crowding other teeth, which can affect how they align. If the teeth do not contact as they should, it can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, that connects the lower jaw to the skull.

Wisdom teeth—the third molars in the very back of the mouth—may not need to be removed if they are: healthy; grown in completely (fully erupted); positioned correctly and biting properly with their opposing teeth; and can be cleaned without issue as part of daily hygiene practices.

Many times, however, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow in properly, which can cause a variety of problems. Problems can include wisdom teeth that:

• Remain completely hidden within the gums
• Emerge partially through the gums
• Crowd nearby teeth

Wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if there are any changes in the area of those teeth, including the following:

• Pain
• Repeated infection of soft tissue
• Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)
• Tumors
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Red or swollen gums
• Jaw pain and discomfort
• Persistent bad breath
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Difficulty eating or opening the mouth
• Constant headaches

Although anesthesia is provided (either local, general or sedation), there is a fair amount of pain after having wisdom teeth removed. The pain typically peaks six hours after the procedure and may last for a few days; swollen cheeks and a swollen jaw often accompany these symptoms, which can be managed with pain medication. Sometimes, the general dentist may prescribe pain medication that is stronger than over-the-counter drugs, especially if the procedure was very intensive.

During wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist:

• Makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone
• Removes bone that blocks access to the tooth root
• Divides the tooth into sections (if it is easier to remove in pieces)
• Removes the tooth
• Cleans the site of the removed tooth of any debris from the tooth or bone
• Stitches the wound closed to promote healing (if necessary)
• Places gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to help a blood clot form

For non-impacted wisdom teeth, you should prepare to pay anything from $75 to $250 per tooth in California. However, the cost of removing impacted wisdom teeth can range from $200 to $600 per tooth. The average cost of getting all four wisdom teeth removed is between $600 and $1,100.
The difficulty of the extraction is taken into account when calculating your wisdom teeth extraction cost. For instance, the procedure will take longer if you are older than the optimum age for tooth removal, or have misaligned teeth per the diagnostic x-rays. As a result, wisdom tooth extraction becomes more expensive.

You should visit a wisdom tooth dentist when experiencing discomfort in the back of the mouth, infection of the soft tissues in the back of the mouth, or tooth crowding.

If you have pain in the back of your mouth, it may be caused by wisdom teeth. Trust the professional dental surgeon at Prabhdeep K. Gill DDS to provide you with relief. Call us today to book an appointment with our wisdom tooth dentist, or visit our clinic. For more information, call us or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Burness CA, Gordon CA, Calwa CA, and Easton CA.