One of the more common procedures in oral surgery is the removal of the third molars, which typically develop between ages 17 and 25. Because third molars, or “wisdom teeth,” can affect other teeth as they grow, it is often necessary to perform wisdom teeth extraction.

Pasadena patients may experience a number of complications if they do not have their wisdom teeth removed, including:
• Infection: When a tooth only erupts partially from the gums, food and bacteria can accumulate in the pockets it creates. Infections can affect both the wisdom tooth and its surrounding teeth, which may cause swelling and pain. If infections go unchecked, they can become serious health concerns.
• Effects on adjacent teeth: Without wisdom teeth extraction, Pasadena patients may suffer damage to nearby teeth. As a molar develops, it can come in at an angle that crowds existing teeth or that disturbs the roots of these teeth.
• Interference with orthodontics: Patients who have dental braces may experience complications as wisdom teeth grow. Teeth can press against the orthodontically treated teeth and push them out of alignment. The crowding can also cause patients discomfort.

Examining Your Wisdom Teeth before Extraction

Pasadena patients will meet with the oral surgeons of Lytle, Tate and Stamper for an initial consultation. Our professionals have years of experience removing third molars, which means that they can answer your questions and prepare you well for the process.

Your LTS doctor will examine your mouth and may take X-rays to get a more complete view of your wisdom teeth. Most adults will develop four wisdom teeth, but it is possible for patients to have fewer or more.

It is important for our doctors to know the number of teeth a patient has, how the teeth are developing, and the angle and positions at which they are growing. Each factor will help the doctor in choosing a treatment that is right for your needs.

Determining the Surgical Approach

Your doctor may decide that it is necessary to extract your wisdom teeth. Pasadena patients may be asked about their health history and may take part in a physical exam. While tooth removal is a common procedure, it does involve surgery, and so LTS makes certain that patients are suitably healthy to have the procedure.

Another decision that your doctor will make is about sedation. During the wisdom teeth removal, our team will administer one of the following:
• A local anesthetic, which prevents you from feeling pain in the area of the procedure.
• A local anesthetic and a mild sedative, which relaxes you without causing you to fall asleep.
• A general anesthetic, which affects the whole body and will help you to sleep through the procedure.

Your doctor will decide on an approach based on both your needs and preferences about sedation dentistry. Pasadena patients may have questions about anesthesia and sedation, and they will find a welcome resource in our doctors and staff.

Contact Lytle, Tate and Stamper by email or telephone to learn more and to schedule your initial wisdom teeth removal appointment. Get in contact with them at their office in La Canada.