Wisdom Tooth Removal at Fairview Dental, in Brentwood CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we understand that the arrival of third molars—commonly known as Wisdom Teeth—can be a source of discomfort and concern. While some people have enough room in their jaw for these teeth to emerge safely, most require professional intervention to prevent long-term dental complications.

Dr. Thuc Luu and our expert team specialize in the monitoring and removal of wisdom teeth for teens and adults in Brentwood, CA. By utilizing advanced 3D imaging and a gentle, patient-centered approach, we ensure that your “rite of passage” into adulthood is handled with the highest level of surgical care.

Why Wisdom Teeth Often Require Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Because the modern human jaw is often too small to accommodate them, they can cause a variety of health issues:

• Impacted Teeth: A tooth is “impacted” when it is blocked from erupting by another tooth or the jawbone. This can cause intense pain and pressure.
• Crowding and Misalignment: As wisdom teeth push forward, they can shift your existing teeth out of alignment, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work.
• Pericoronitis (Gum Infection): If a tooth only partially emerges, it creates a flap of gum tissue that traps bacteria and food, leading to painful infections.
• Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, the sac surrounding an unerupted wisdom tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage the jawbone and tooth roots.
• Trusted Resource: Review the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) guide on Wisdom Teeth for more clinical insights.

Our Advanced Diagnostic Approach

No two wisdom tooth cases are the same. At Fairview Dental, we don’t guess—we visualize.

Before any removal, we utilize 3D CBCT Imaging. Unlike a standard 2D X-ray, this 3D scan allows Dr. Luu to see exactly where your wisdom teeth are positioned in relation to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and the Maxillary Sinus. This precision significantly reduces the risk of post-operative complications and allows for a much more predictable recovery.

The Procedure: What to Expect

We have designed our wisdom tooth protocol to prioritize your comfort and safety from start to finish.

1. Preparation and Sedation

We offer several levels of sedation to ensure you are relaxed. Most patients choose to be “asleep” or deeply relaxed during the procedure. We combine this with profound local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during the surgery.

2. Surgical Precision

Dr. Luu makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. In many cases, the tooth is divided into several smaller sections to make it easier to remove through a smaller opening, which preserves more of your surrounding bone and speeds up healing.

3. Site Cleaning and Stitches

Once the tooth is removed, the site is thoroughly cleaned of any debris. We often use dissolvable stitches that will disappear on their own within a week, meaning you don’t have to worry about a “stitch removal” appointment.

Ensuring a Smooth Recovery in Brentwood

The key to a fast recovery is following our post-operative instructions carefully. Most patients return to school or work within 3 to 5 days.

• The Blood Clot is Key: For the first 24 hours, do not spit, smoke, or use straws. Suction can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition called Dry Socket.
• Manage Swelling: Use ice packs on the outside of your jaw for the first 24 hours. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day before subsiding.
• Soft Food Diet: Stock your fridge with yogurt, smoothies, pudding, and lukewarm soups. Avoid seeds, nuts, or popcorn that could get stuck in the extraction sites.
• Trusted Resource: Follow the CDC’s recommendations for oral surgery recovery.

Why Choose Fairview Dental for Wisdom Teeth?

Dr. Thuc Luu combines over 20 years of clinical experience with the latest in dental technology. Our Brentwood office is equipped to handle everything from simple eruptions to complex bony impactions.

1. Safety First: Our 3D imaging technology ensures we avoid vital nerves and structures.
2. Teen-Friendly Care: We understand the unique needs of our younger patients and work to make the experience positive and anxiety-free.
3. Emergency Availability: If you are experiencing a “wisdom tooth emergency”—such as severe swelling or a fever—we prioritize your call to get you treated immediately.

Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Consultation Today

Don’t wait for your wisdom teeth to cause a painful emergency. Proactive monitoring and early removal (usually in the late teens) often lead to much faster healing times and fewer complications.

Call us today at (925) 240-7253 or visit our office in the Shops at Fairview to schedule your appointment.