Dr. J. Steven Supancic, Jr., DDS, MD has evaluated and treated wisdom teeth patients in Visalia for more than 25 years. With extensive dental, medical, and surgical training, Dr. Supancic personally evaluates each patient’s wisdom teeth and recommends treatment based on their individual needs.
Are you experiencing discomfort or pain in your back molars? Do you have difficulty opening your mouth fully? These may be signs that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth evaluated. The answers below cover the questions Visalia patients and parents ask us most often.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Evaluated?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in the mouth. They enter the mouth behind the upper and lower second, or 12-year, molars between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the “Age of Wisdom.” For this reason, most patients have their wisdom teeth evaluated in the late teenage years or early twenties, while the teeth are developing and beginning to emerge.
An evaluation is also appropriate at any age if you notice symptoms such as pain or discomfort near the back of your mouth, swelling, recurrent infections, or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not necessarily. While many people experience complications with their wisdom teeth, not all wisdom teeth cause problems. Dr. Supancic assesses each tooth individually based on its alignment, potential for impaction, and other dental health factors. A comprehensive evaluation determines the appropriate action for each patient, and that action is not always surgery.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to emerge fully into the mouth because it is blocked by other teeth, bone, or soft tissue. Not everyone has enough space in their mouth for wisdom teeth to come in properly; when this happens, the teeth become stuck and cannot emerge from the gums. Any tooth can become impacted, but wisdom teeth are the most common.
An impacted wisdom tooth may be painful and can contribute to a variety of problems, including:
- Infection
- Damage to neighboring teeth and roots
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal disease
- Receding gums
- Loosened teeth
- Bone loss
- Tooth loss
More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst.
Common signs of impacted wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, and tenderness when biting or chewing.
When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recommended?
If an impacted or problematic wisdom tooth is causing pain, recurrent infection, or damage to surrounding teeth, it may need to be removed surgically. The decision depends on the patient. Dr. Supancic evaluates every tooth individually before recommending any treatment, taking into account its alignment, its potential for impaction, and your overall dental health.
What Happens at a Wisdom Teeth Consultation?
At a consultation, Dr. Supancic personally examines your wisdom teeth and discusses whether treatment is needed. If removal is recommended, he will explain why and answer your questions before anything is scheduled.
What Should I Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovery times vary from patient to patient, but most people start feeling better within a few days. Following your post-operative instructions helps ensure a swift and smooth recovery. These may include taking prescribed medications, adopting a soft food diet, and practicing good oral hygiene. You will receive instructions specific to your procedure.
When Can I Return to School or Work?
This depends on the individual patient and the procedure performed. Most people start feeling better within a few days, and Dr. Supancic will give you guidance for your own situation before and after your procedure.
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your post-operative instructions may include adopting a soft food diet while the extraction sites heal. Dr. Supancic and his team will tell you what to eat and what to avoid after your procedure.
When Should I Call the Office After Surgery?
If you have any questions or concerns after your procedure, or if something doesn’t feel right, call our office at (559) 625-9770. We would rather hear from you early.
Do I Need a Dentist Referral?
No referral is required. Many patients are directed to us by their general dentists, but if you have concerns or symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, you can contact our office directly to schedule a consultation with Dr. Supancic.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?
Because every patient’s wisdom teeth are evaluated individually, the recommended treatment and its cost depend on your specific situation. After Dr. Supancic evaluates your wisdom teeth, our front office team can discuss what your recommended treatment involves and answer questions about insurance and payment.
Request a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Visalia
If you or your child are having wisdom teeth symptoms, or your dentist has suggested an evaluation, Dr. Supancic and his team are here to help. Call our Visalia office or send us a message.