What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition where a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted while they are sleeping, causing them to wake up throughout the night.

Sleep apnea can have serious impacts on your health, but recognizing the specific type is key to effective treatment. There are three distinct types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea

is the most common, and occurs when your throat muscles relax during sleep, causing intermittent blockage of the airway.

2. Central sleep apnea

is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing.

3. Complex sleep apnea syndrome

occurs when someone experiences both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to seek help to find out which type you have. The good news is that there are effective treatments available.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

When behaviour modification alone is insufficient, there are several treatment options available, including:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The use of a machine to deliver constant air pressure and keep airways open.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). Like CPAP but delivering different pressures for inhaling and exhaling.

Lifestyle Changes, including weight loss, exercise, sleeping position modification, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sedatives before bedtime.

What You Can Do to Manage Sleep Apnea

Making positive lifestyle choices can greatly improve sleep apnea symptoms. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Maintain a regular bedtime schedule
  • Avoid heavy exercise before bedtime
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sedatives before bedtime
  • Use an air humidifier in the bedroom, especially during dry winter months

Remember, if you think you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to get proper diagnosis and treatment. By taking steps to manage your sleep apnea, you can protect your health and improve your quality of life.

To Wrap Things Up…

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting tested and finding the best treatment plan for you.

By making simple lifestyle changes and following your treatment plan, you can improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of developing related health problems. Don’t let sleep apnea go untreated – start taking steps towards better health today.

Read more about Sleep Apnea here – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/sleep-apnea.html

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

Dental IV Sedation. What Should You Expect?

Dental IV Sedation. What Should You Expect

Many people feel anxious or scared when they visit the dentist’s office. If you’re one of them, IV sedation might make your visit more comfortable. IV sedation is the most potent type of dental sedation, and there are a lot of misunderstandings about it.

In this article, we will explain what IV sedation is, how it works, what you should expect, and how to prepare for your appointment.

What is IV sedation?

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a potent type of dental sedation that delivers medication directly into your bloodstream. It puts you into a state of deep relaxation, where you are conscious, but are not able to feel any discomfort.

For patients who require extensive or complicated dental treatments, IV sedation can be a valuable solution. Dental procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, root canal treatment, and gum grafting often require invasive work that can be quite uncomfortable for the patient.

The use of IV sedation helps to alleviate any pain or discomfort, making the procedure easier to undergo. Additionally, IV sedation can also be beneficial for patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety or phobia.

This anxiety can prevent some patients from seeking the treatment they need, resulting in further complications down the line. With the use of IV sedation, patients can feel more comfortable and relaxed during any dental appointment, including regular hygiene visits. Overall, IV sedation is a useful tool for dentists to provide their patients with a more comfortable and stress-free experience.

How does IV sedation work?

During IV sedation, a thin needle will be inserted into your vein, usually in your arm or hand. The medication will be delivered through the needle, which will put you into a deep state of relaxation.

You will still be able to breathe on your own, and you will be conscious during the procedure. However, you will not remember the procedure, and you will not feel any pain or discomfort.

What should you expect during IV sedation?

Before the procedure, one of our dentists will ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a few hours before your appointment. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home, as the effects of IV sedation can last for several hours.

During the procedure, you will be closely monitored by your dentist. We will monitor your vital signs, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. We will also make sure that you are breathing properly and that you are not feeling any pain.

After the procedure, you will need to rest for a while, and you should not drive or operate any machinery until the effects of the sedation have worn off.

How can you prepare for IV sedation?

Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to speak with your dentist about your concerns and your medical history. You should also ask them about any potential side effects or risks associated with IV sedation.

To Wrap Things Up…

IV sedation can make your visit to the dentist’s office more comfortable and less stressful. However, it’s essential to understand what it is, how it works, what you should expect, and how to prepare for it.

If you have any concerns or questions about IV sedation or any other dental sedation, speak with one of Pacifica dentists. We will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your dental treatment.

If you would like to read more for yourself about IV sedation,
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/health-supplements-and-programs/dental-and-orthodontic-services

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit: https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. The Team at Pacifica Dental.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common and serious oral health problem that affects millions of Canadians every year. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and even more severe health problems. Fortunately, there are steps we can all take to help prevent gum disease from developing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to prevent gum disease in Canada.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

The most important step you can take to prevent gum disease is brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. While it may seem like a small task, regular brushing is essential for removing plaque and other bacteria from the teeth and gums.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste; if possible, use an electric toothbrush as they do an even better job of cleaning the teeth than manual brushes.

Floss at Least Once a Day

In addition to regular brushing, flossing helps remove plaque from areas where your toothbrush cannot reach, such as between the teeth or at the gum line.

Flossing should be done at least once per day for the best results; however, some people may need to floss more often depending on their oral health needs. To make flossing easier and more efficient, use either waxed dental floss or an interdental brush. 

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Finally, visiting your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to maintain proper oral hygiene and keep your mouth healthy. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any signs of gum disease early on so they can be treated promptly before they become worse. It’s generally recommended that adults visit their dentist every six months; however, depending on your individual oral health needs you may need to visit more frequently (or less frequently).

Click the following link to read more about the BC dental association -> https://www.yourdentalhealth.ca/visiting-your-dentist/

To Wrap Things Up…

Gum disease is a common – but serious – oral health problem that affects millions of Canadians every year. The good news is that there are steps we can all take to help prevent it from developing in the first place.

By brushing our teeth twice daily for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste; flossing at least once per day; and visiting our dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings; we can all work together towards healthier mouths throughout Canada!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic solution to traditional metal braces. Commonly known as Invisalign, clear aligners are a more comfortable and aesthetic alternative to metal braces.

Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth, so they look and work better. Click the link to read more information about aligners: http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/orthodontics/

With clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth without the unsightly and uncomfortable look and feel of metal brackets and wires. Let’s take a look at the benefits of using clear aligners for your orthodontic needs.

Comfort & Easier Cleaning

Clear aligners are made of an ultra-thin material that fits snugly over your teeth, making it much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. This thin design also makes it easier to clean your teeth. You simply remove the aligner before brushing or flossing and then put it back on after you’ve finished cleaning your teeth. With metal braces, you have to maneuver around the brackets while brushing and flossing, which can be difficult and time consuming.

Discreet Orthodontic Treatment

One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible when worn. That means no one has to know that you’re wearing them! Unlike traditional metal braces which are very noticeable, with clear aligners you don’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious during treatment or having people constantly asking questions about why you’re wearing them. This makes them perfect for adults or teenagers who want a discreet way to straighten their teeth without compromising on quality or results.

Faster Results & Fewer Appointments

Another great benefit of clear aligners is that they offer faster results than traditional braces because they move your teeth more quickly into place with each successive set of trays that gets switched out every few weeks. Plus, since there are no wires or brackets involved with this type of treatment, there is no need for frequent adjustment appointments like there would be with traditional braces – usually only once every six weeks or so!

To Wrap Things Up…

In conclusion, clear aligners offer many advantages over traditional metal braces when it comes to orthodontic treatment options. They provide comfort, discretion, and faster results while requiring fewer appointments overall compared to traditional braces – all without sacrificing quality or results in any way! If you’re looking for an effective way to straighten your teeth without having to deal with uncomfortable brackets and wires, then clear aligners might just be the perfect solution for you!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

What is a Smile Analysis?

What is a Smile Analysis?

Have you ever heard of a smile analysis? It’s a process used by dental professionals to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums, as well as the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what goes into a smile analysis and how it can help you achieve the perfect smile. Check out our website to read all about a smile analysis: https://pacificadental.ca/services/smile-analysis/

What Happens During a Smile Analysis?

During a smile analysis, your dentist will take an in-depth look at all aspects of your oral health. This includes examining the condition of your teeth, gums, jawbone structure, and facial muscles. Your dentist will also evaluate any existing dental work that you may have had done in the past. All this information is used to create a comprehensive picture of your oral health.

The next step is to determine what type of treatments are necessary to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Your dentist may recommend one or more cosmetic treatments such as veneers, or braces. They may also suggest restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns if there are any issues with the structure and function of your teeth.

How Can Smile Analysis Help You Achieve Your Goals?

A smile analysis can help you identify any areas where improvement is needed in order to achieve the perfect smile that you desire. Additionally, it can help you uncover any underlying oral health problems that need to be addressed in order for you to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent future problems from occurring. The end result is that you can have peace of mind knowing that all aspects of your oral health are taken care of and that you have a beautiful, healthy-looking smile!

To Wrap Things Up…

A Smile analysis is an important tool for anyone looking to improve their oral health and aesthetic appearance. By taking an in-depth look at all aspects of their mouth – from the condition of their teeth and gums to existing dental work – dentists are able to create a comprehensive picture that helps them determine what types of treatments are necessary for achieving their desired results. With regular visits to the dentist combined with proper dental hygiene habits, anyone can enjoy a beautiful and healthy-looking smile!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Improve Your Smile?

What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Improve Your Smile?

Have you been wanting to improve the appearance of your smile? One popular option is dental veneers.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front of your teeth. They are made of either porcelain or composite material and can help improve the appearance of your teeth by making them look straighter, whiter, and more symmetrical. Let’s take a closer look at what veneers are and how they can help you smile more. Click the link to view our page on Dental Veneers: https://pacificadental.ca/services/dental-veneers/

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Veneers can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic issues with your teeth. From gaps between teeth to discolouration, chips or cracks, dental veneers may be able to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted. In addition, they can also help protect your teeth from further damage due to wear and tear.

One of the major benefits of veneers is that we can lighten the shade in order to make teeth look brighter and more uniform. This can be particularly helpful for people who have teeth that are naturally yellow or discoloured from years of consuming coffee, tea, wine, or other foods and drinks known to stain the teeth. Not only do veneers provide a quick and relatively minor solution to lightening stained teeth, but they also give us greater control over colour choice when compared with other methods such as conventional bleaching procedures. Therefore, using this method of treatment can help patients achieve the bright smile of their dreams.

How Long Will My Dental Veneers Last?

The lifespan of your veneers will depend on the type of material that is used as well as how well you take care of them. Porcelain veneers typically last longer than composite ones but both types should last for several years with proper care and maintenance.

It is important to remember that regular flossing, brushing twice a day, avoiding hard foods, following proper oral hygiene habits, and visiting the dentist every six months for checkups will all help ensure that your dental veneers last as long as possible.

Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?

If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your smile, then dental veneers may be right for you. However, it is important to note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure, so it is best to consult with your dentist before having any work done on your teeth.

During this consultation, the dentist will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you based on factors such as the health of your teeth and gums as well as any underlying medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure.  Click the link to see what the Canadian Dental Association say about Dental Veneers: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/bonding_veneers/

To Wrap Things Up…

Veneers can be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile if other methods have failed or if they just don’t fit into your lifestyle or budget. Not only do they provide an immediate transformation, but they also require very little maintenance which makes them an attractive option for those who want a quick fix without too much effort involved in keeping them looking bright white! So why not give yourself a boost in confidence with some new pearly whites today! Speak with one our dentists here at Pacifica Dental about whether dental veneers are right for you!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

The Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth

Overall, regular flossing contributes greatly to keeping both your mouth and body healthy. Not only does it help prevent periodontal disease, but it also reduces bad breath and keeps your teeth cleaner than brushing alone could ever do! So grab some dental floss today and make sure you are taking care of yourself inside and out! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites! For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Find out how flossing your teeth can improve your oral health, including reducing plaque and gingivitis.

Flossing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, but did you know that flossing isn’t just important for a healthy mouth? Flossing has many benefits for your overall health as well. Let’s take a closer look at why you should make flossing a priority if you want to maintain good health.

Flossing Your Teeth Helps Prevent Disease

When you don’t floss, plaque builds up between your teeth and near the gum line. Over time, this plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can cause gingivitis—an inflammation of the gums—and eventually lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. In addition to causing tooth loss, periodontal disease has been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Flossing Your Teeth Reduces Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles trapped between teeth and on the tongue. When these bacteria form plaque and tartar on your teeth, they produce sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. By regularly flossing your teeth, you can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevent bad breath from occurring.

Flossing Your Teeth Keeps Your Teeth Cleaner

When you brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, it helps remove surface stains from food and drinks like coffee or tea; however, brushing alone cannot reach all surfaces of your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque from between teeth and around the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach; this will leave your smile sparkling clean! Click the link and see how the Canadian Dental Association shows how to floss properly: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care/flossing_brushing.asp#:~:text=Flossing%20removes%20plaque%20and%20bacteria,on%20your%20teeth%20every%20day

To Wrap Things Up…

Overall, regular flossing contributes greatly to keeping both your mouth and body healthy. Not only does it help prevent periodontal disease, but it also reduces bad breath and keeps your teeth cleaner than brushing alone could ever do! So grab some dental floss today and make sure you are taking care of yourself inside and out!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

Learn how often to replace your toothbrush, the best way to brush your teeth, and other dental hygiene tips from Pacifica Dental.

When it comes to dental hygiene, there are a few simple steps you can take that will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and free from cavities. One of the most important is replacing your toothbrush regularly. But how often should you be doing this? Let’s find out.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that you should replace your toothbrush (or swap your electric toothbrush head) every three to four months as long as you use it at least twice daily.

If you have an illness such as a cold or flu, it is especially important to replace your toothbrush as soon as you start feeling better to avoid re-infecting yourself with the same virus.

It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush after any oral surgery, such as dental implants or wisdom teeth removal, since the bristles may have come into contact with germs from inside the mouth.

Brushing Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

In addition to replacing your brush on a regular basis, proper brushing technique is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some tips from our team at Pacifica Dental for getting maximum benefit from brushing: 

  • Use gentle circular motions when brushing—too much pressure can cause gum damage and irritation over time. 
  • Brush for two minutes at least twice a day.           
  • Make sure you brush all surfaces of each tooth—especially hard-to-reach areas like molars. 
  • Don’t forget about flossing! Flossing removes plaque and food particles that cannot be removed by brushing alone; and                 
  • Ask our hygienists about using fluoride mouthwash to help reduce cavities and protect against bacteria growth in hard-to-reach areas like between teeth or below the gum line.                         

To Wrap Things Up

Taking care of your teeth is vital for promoting overall health and wellness throughout life. By following these simple steps – replacing your toothbrush regularly and using proper brushing techniques – you can keep your smile looking great for years to come!

For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

Dental care at every age

Dental care at every age

There is no age category that is safe from dental problems. From the eruption of the first baby tooth, through to retirement, here are the most frequent dental conditions encountered by children, adults and seniors.

Babies and children

  • Baby bottle tooth decay and cavities

Decay occurs due to sugar in various drinks such as milk, fresh juice, or sweetened tea that remain on the teeth for long periods of time.  It is important that babies and small children do not fall asleep with the bottle in their mouth, or use it as a pacifier, and as soon as they finish eating, we must make sure that they have swallowed all the liquid.

  • Crooked teeth because of thumb-sucking

Most babies suck their thumbs or fingers. It’s a habit that hopefully ends by the time they turn five and their first permanent teeth start to erupt. Otherwise, the pressure exerted by the tongue or finger can lead to deformation of the teeth, and from here problems can arise regarding the bite or even the correct development of speech.

Adults

  • Tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when acid is produced from plaque which builds up on our teeth. Many people tend to think that plaque is only an aesthetic problem, but in fact, if the process advances, it can lead to further concerns such as cavities, gum disease or dental abscesses.

  • Gum line cavities

Cavities that appear under the gums are harder to detect than those formed on the enamel of the teeth and have a faster evolution. The main causes are improper brushing, aggressive brushing, or the use of a toothbrush with very rough bristles. Sometimes cavities occur due to poor nutrition.

  • Gum disease

Risk factors of gum disease include vitamin C deficiency, smoking, hormonal disorders or certain drug treatments. Bleeding gums and redness of the gums are the first signs and it is recommended to go to the dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss.  Basic prevention of gum disease is thorough, consistent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

  • Tooth sensitivity

As far as tooth sensitivity is concerned, we are not talking about a disease itself, but rather a problem that can have multiple causes and just as many treatments. The only one in a position to make a diagnosis and offer solutions is the dentist, following a check-up and specific tests.

  • Bad breath (halitosis)

Many associate bad breaths with digestive problems, but more often than not, the cause is poor oral hygiene. Food debris and bacteria from the oral cavity that remain between the teeth or in the gum groove need to be removed by constant and correct brushing. It is also important to brush not only the teeth, but also the tongue. Professional cleaning sessions in the dentist’s office are just as important, as hygienists can reach areas that are commonly missed at home.

  • Tooth loss

We may tend to think this mostly happens to seniors, but, in fact, some people start losing their teeth in their forties. Lifestyle, diet, general health, and oral hygiene are factors that increase the risk of tooth loss. Luckily, we have access to solutions such as dental implants for replacing missing teeth, but prevention continues to be the best route when it comes to oral health.

Seniors

  • Gum recession and periodontal disease

The chance of developing periodontal disease and gum recession increases as we age. Oral hygiene is again the main method of prevention, but it is not always sufficient. Untreated gum problems, reduced salivary gland function, and hormonal imbalances are some of the factors that contribute to the appearance of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Regular dental check-ups are necessary from childhood in order to thrive with healthy teeth and not struggle with pain, surgeries, or prosthesis.

Pacifica Dental specialists can guide you on your journey to good oral health at every age. We are here for you in our beautiful office in Victoria BC!

What To Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

What To Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

Wisdom teeth certainly don’t make you smarter or wiser. However, they can give you serious headaches if you do not pay due attention to them. In order to avoid complications, it is important to know if wisdom teeth should be extracted or not, what complications can occur if you ignore certain symptoms, what extraction surgery involves and how you recover after such a procedure.

The decision to remove a wisdom tooth is not always an easy one to make. It is recommended that you discuss it with a dentist or a dental surgeon to examine the position and health of the molars, so that they can decide what is best for you, depending on the situation you are facing.

When a wisdom tooth should be removed

The problems that can arise in the case of wisdom teeth relate, in particular, to the position in which they develop and how they erupt. From this point of view, the following situations are serious reasons why extraction could be recommended or even mandatory:

  • Partial eruption (part of the mass remains in the gums). Because the tooth erupts in the back of the mouth, it’s hard to see exactly what’s going on there, and brushing isn’t easy either. Therefore, partially erupting teeth can be open corridors for food retention. They can lead to gum disease and other oral infections
  • They do not have enough space to grow. When the teeth do not have enough space to develop normally, they can force adjacent teeth to make room. Basically, they push into the molars next to which they grow and cause a domino effect.

Symptoms

Specialists recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth if certain symptoms or manifestations appear in the area, such as:

  • gum pain;
  • bleeding gums;
  • cysts, swelling in the molar area;
  • repeated infections of the soft tissue behind the brain mass;
  • tumors;
  • damage to nearby teeth;
  • gum disease;
  • extensive tooth decay.

What does the extraction involve?

The extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Most such interventions do not involve high risks or long-term complications, but it depends very much on the technique used. In the case of teeth that grow in the gums, an incision and removal of the bone may be needed. Very rarely, the complications that can occur are infections caused by bacteria or food debris not cleaned properly, or damage to neighboring teeth, nerves, sinuses or jaw. The duration of the procedure depends on its difficulty.

Before the treatment, the surgeon will opt for a type of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your level of comfort. The dentist will use local or general anesthesia.

During the procedure, the dentist will:

  • perform an incision in the gum tissue to reach the tooth or bone, in the case of included or semi-included molars;
  • remove the bone that blocks access to the root of the tooth;
  • cut the molar into two sections if it is easier to cut it into pieces;
  • remove the tooth;
  • clean the extraction site of any tooth or bone residue;
  • suture the wound;
  • apply sterile dressing. They are very important in the recovery process because they prevent excess bleeding, protect the wound from infections and exposed bone, and help grow new tissues.

Recovery after an extraction

The recovery process could be outlined as follows:

  • the first 24 hours – blood clots form;
  • 2-3 days – swelling of the mouth and cheeks should diminish;
  • 7-10 days – stiffness and pain in the jaw should disappear;
  • 2 weeks – light bruises on the face should heal.

Recovery can take up to two weeks, but this varies from patient to patient. Swelling and pain may occur after the extractions; sometimes there is infection or bleeding. Postoperative care is very important and helps you recover faster. We recommend that you keep in touch with your doctor during the entire process and maintain constant communication. You will be advised about what you should eat/drink, how to perform oral cleaning, which physical activities are recommended and which are not, and what medication you should take.

At Pacifica Dental, Dr. Fatemeh Karimi is performing oral surgeries such as complicated wisdom tooth extractions. Dr. Karimi a dedicated professional with 22 years of experience. As a team, we endeavor to make any wisdom tooth extraction as easy and painless as possible, and make sure that the recovery process is fast and without any complications.

If you have any questions about removing your wisdom teeth don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment at Pacifica Dental.