Wisdom Tooth Removal at Rolling Hills: What You Need to Know

A close up of dental instruments with a tooth in the middle

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually come in during late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back of your mouth and can sometimes cause problems if there isn’t enough space for them.


Common Issues With Wisdom Teeth

Many people face issues with their wisdom teeth, including:


  • Impaction: When the teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly.
  • Infection: Bacteria can get trapped around the tooth, leading to pain and swelling.
  • Cavities: Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean, making them prone to decay.


Signs You May Need Removal

If you experience any of the following, it might be time to consider removal:


  • Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth.
  • Swelling or redness around the gums.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing.


If you think you might need your wisdom teeth removed, it’s best to consult with Dr. Chan Dentistry for a thorough evaluation.


The Tooth Extraction Process

Initial Consultation Steps

Before tooth extraction, you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Chan Dentistry. During this visit, the dentist will:


  • Review your medical history
  • Take X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth
  • Discuss any concerns you may have
  • Explain the extraction process and what to expect


Preparing for Surgery

Preparation is key for a smooth extraction. Here’s what you should do:


  1. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
  2. As your dentist advises, avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the surgery.
  3. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy makeup.


What to Expect During Extraction

You will be in a comfortable setting at Dr. Chan Dentistry during the extraction. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You will receive anesthesia to numb the area, and you may also be given sedation to help you relax. The dentist will:


  • Carefully remove the wisdom teeth
  • Ensure you are comfortable throughout the process
  • Provide instructions for post-operative care


Remember, tooth extraction in Rolling Hills is a common procedure, and the team at Dr. Chan Dentistry is here to support you.


Recovery After Tooth Extraction

Immediate Post-Operative Care

After your wisdom tooth removal, taking care of yourself is important. Here are some key steps to follow:


  • Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 hours.
  • Ice Packs: Use ice packs on your cheeks to reduce swelling.
  • Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleep with your head raised to help with swelling.


Managing Pain and Discomfort

You might feel some pain after the procedure. Here’s how to manage it:

  • Pain Relievers: Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
  • Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to your face to ease discomfort.
  • Avoid Straws: Don’t use straws for the first few days to prevent dry sockets.


Dietary Recommendations During Recovery

Eating the right foods can help you heal faster. Consider these options:

  • Soft Foods: Eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid hot drinks for a few days.
  • Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods: Avoid chips and nuts until you feel better.

Remember, recovery takes time. Following these guidelines will help you heal properly and feel better sooner.


Risks and Complications

Potential Risks of Tooth Extraction

Removing wisdom teeth is generally safe, but there are some risks involved. These can include:


  • Infection at the extraction site
  • Dry socket, which is when the blood clot fails to form or is dislodged
  • Nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in the tongue, lip, or chin
  • Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure


Signs of Complications to Watch For

After your extraction, watch for any unusual symptoms. Look for:


  • Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medication
  • Swelling that worsens after a few days
  • Fever or chills, which could indicate an infection
  • Bad taste in your mouth or foul odor


When to Contact Your Dentist

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s crucial to contact Dr. Chan Dentistry. Don’t hesitate to call if you feel something isn’t right. Prompt action can help prevent more serious issues.


Choosing Dr. Chan Dentistry

Why Choose Us for Tooth Extraction

Dr. Chan Dentistry is dedicated to providing the best care. Our team understands this can be a stressful experience, and we strive to make it as comfortable as possible. Here are a few reasons to choose us:


  • Experienced professionals who specialize in dental extractions.
  • A welcoming environment that puts patients at ease.
  • Advanced technology for safer and more efficient procedures.


Patient Testimonials

Our patients often share their positive experiences with us. Here are some highlights:


  • "The staff was friendly and made me feel comfortable."
  • "The procedure was quick, and I felt no pain!"
  • "I appreciated the follow-up care after my extraction."


Our Commitment to Patient Care

At Dr. Chan Dentistry, we believe in:


  • Listening to our patients' concerns.
  • Providing clear information about procedures.
  • Ensuring a smooth recovery process.


We are here to support you from your first consultation to your recovery. Your comfort and health are our top priorities.

Whether you need dental implants in Rolling Hills or a simple extraction, we are here to help. Trust Dr. Chan Dentistry for all your Rolling Hills dental needs.


Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Factors Influencing Cost

The cost of wisdom tooth removal can vary based on several factors:


  • Location of the dental office: Prices may differ depending on where you go.
  • Complexity of the extraction: Simple extractions usually cost less than surgical ones.
  • Type of anesthesia used: Sedation options can add to the overall cost.
  • Additional treatments: This can increase the price if you need other dental work.


Insurance Coverage Options

Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost for wisdom tooth removal. Here are some things to consider:


  • Check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.
  • Some plans may require a referral from your dentist.
  • Coverage may vary based on whether the extraction is deemed necessary.


Payment Plans Available

We understand that dental procedures can be a financial burden at Dr. Chan Dentistry. To help, we offer:


  • Flexible payment plans to fit your budget.
  • Financing options that allow you to pay over time.
  • Assistance with insurance claims to maximize your benefits.


Understanding the costs involved can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.


Alternatives to Tooth Extraction

Non-Surgical Options

There are several ways to deal with wisdom teeth without removing them. Some of these options include:


  • Monitoring: If your wisdom teeth are not causing any problems, your dentist may suggest just keeping an eye on them.
  • Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, braces or other dental devices can help create space for wisdom teeth to come in properly.
  • Medication: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage discomfort if your wisdom teeth are causing mild issues.


When Extraction Is Necessary

In some cases, extraction is the best choice. Here are a few reasons why:


  1. Impaction: If a wisdom tooth is stuck and can't emerge properly, it may need removal.
  2. Infection: Extraction may be the safest option to prevent further health issues if the tooth is infected.
  3. Crowding: If your mouth doesn't have enough space, wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment.


Consultation for Alternatives

Before deciding on extraction, talk to your dentist. At Dr. Chan Dentistry, we can help you explore all your options.

  • Discuss your symptoms: Share any pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
  • Ask about alternatives: Inquire about non-surgical options that may work for you.
  • Understand the risks: Know the potential risks of keeping your wisdom teeth.

Always consult a dental professional to find the best solution for your oral health needs.


Preparing for Your Appointment

What to Bring to Your Appointment

  • Your insurance card, if you have one.
  • A list of any medications you are currently taking.
  • Any medical records that might be relevant.
  • A form of ID, like a driver’s license.


Questions to Ask Your Dentist

  • What will the extraction process be like?
  • How long will the recovery take?
  • What pain management options are available?
  • Are there any risks I should know about?


Understanding Your Treatment Plan

Know what to expect before your appointment. Your dentist will explain the steps involved in the extraction and any follow-up care you may need.

Being prepared can help ease your worries and make the process smoother. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure you feel comfortable.


Post-Extraction Follow-Up

Importance of Follow-Up Visits

After your wisdom tooth removal, follow-up visits are crucial for ensuring proper healing. These appointments help your dentist check for any issues and ensure everything is healing well. Regular check-ups can prevent complications and keep your mouth healthy.


What to Expect During Follow-Up

During your follow-up visit, you can expect the dentist to:


  • Examine the extraction site for signs of infection.
  • Remove any stitches if necessary.
  • Discuss your recovery progress and any concerns you may have.


Long-Term Care for Your Oral Health

Taking care of your mouth after the extraction is important. Here are some tips to maintain your oral health:


  • Keep up with regular dental check-ups.
  • Brush and floss daily to prevent cavities.
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that can harm your teeth.


Remember, good oral hygiene is key to preventing future dental problems. Regular visits to Dr. Chan Dentistry will help keep your smile bright and healthy.


Local Anesthesia and Sedation Options

Types of Anesthesia Used

When you visit Dr. Chan Dentistry for wisdom tooth removal, you will be offered different types of anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The main options include:


  • Local Anesthesia: This numbs only the area around the tooth.
  • Sedation Dentistry: This helps you relax and may make you sleepy during the procedure.


Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Choosing sedation can have several advantages:


  • Reduces anxiety and fear about the procedure.
  • It makes the experience more comfortable.
  • It allows for a quicker recovery since you may not remember the procedure.


Discussing Your Options With Dr. Chan

Before your surgery, talking with Dr. Chan about your anesthesia options is important. Here are some things to consider:


  1. Your level of anxiety about dental procedures.
  2. Any past experiences with anesthesia.
  3. Your overall health and any medications you are taking.


Understanding your options can help you feel more at ease during your wisdom tooth removal. Dr. Chan and the team will work with you to find the best choice for your needs.


Maintaining Oral Health After Extraction

Tips for Oral Hygiene

  • Brush gently around the extraction site to avoid irritation.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your mouth clean.
  • Rinse with warm salt water to help with healing.


Avoiding Future Dental Issues

  • Keep up with regular dental check-ups to catch problems early.
  • Maintain a balanced diet to support your teeth and gums.
  • Avoid smoking or using tobacco, as it can slow healing.


Regular Check-Ups and Cleanings

  • Schedule follow-up visits with Dr. Chan Dentistry to monitor your recovery.
  • Professional cleanings help prevent plaque buildup and keep your mouth healthy.


Taking care of your mouth after a tooth extraction is important for a smooth recovery and long-term health. Following these tips can help you maintain a healthy smile!


Final Thoughts on Wisdom Tooth Removal

Getting your wisdom teeth taken out can feel a bit scary, but knowing what to expect can help a lot. At Dr. Chan Dentistry in Rolling Hills, the team is ready to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. Remember, it's important to follow the aftercare tips your dentist gives you to heal well. If you have any questions or worries, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. Taking care of your teeth is a big part of staying healthy, so make sure to keep up with regular check-ups!

Sea Urchin, Cauliflower and Toast

By Dr. Michael Chan • February 13, 2024
Introduction The inspiration behind this dish came from Michelin-starred chef Carlos Cracco’s sea urchin and coffee risotto. I was watching a TV program called “In Search of Perfection: Reinventing Kitchen Classics”, and I was intrigued. I had a crack at the unique combination and what a match made in heaven! The coffee itself adds a roasted note, which adds a wonderful complexity to this recipe. While the preparation may be simple, the secret behind this dish is in the quality of the ingredients. Ingredients Wild sea urchin (any Japanese market such as Tokyo Central, Mitsuwa, or Nijiya market will do) 2 cauliflower florets sliced approx. 0.5 cm (only flat ends) High quality white bread (my favorite is the white bread from the Japanese market, Mitsuwa) 9-12 salmon roe per serving 0.5 tsp instant coffee powder Generous knob of unsalted butter Dill Steps In a nonstick pan, heat butter and brown both sides of the cauliflower slices (about 3-4 per serving) until tender with a toothpick. Sprinkle the coffee powder delicately and cook for a further 20 seconds. Season to taste and set aside. Remove crust from bread and slice in rectangular shapes (width should be slightly narrower than the width of the cauliflower florets). We want the edges of the cauliflower to slightly cover the bread when plating. In another non-stick pan, melt the butter and toast both sides of the bread. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess fat. Plating Place a small dollop of soft butter in the center of plate followed by the toasted bread. This will ensure a stable foundation. Arrange cauliflower in the same direction along the piece of bread followed by the urchin. Urchin is extremely delicate and can easily bruise. Use a small teaspoon to arrange. On a small teaspoon, arrange 3 sets of salmon roe evenly spaced on top of the urchin. Please note plating in odd numbers are typically more esthetically pleasing. Followed by a small piece of dill on each salmon roe arrangement. Enjoy as a starter!
An Image of Dr. Chan's Beer Battered Chicken Nugetts

Beer Battered Chicken Nuggets

By Dr. Michael Chan • December 28, 2023
McDonalds chicken nuggets have always been a childhood favorite of my brother's and mine. We would try to work out with each ones were dark meat, and they were normally horseshoe shaped. I created this recipe shortly after I was happy for the batter I make for fish and chips. The nostalgia always gets me and I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do!

Prawn Cocktail

By Dr. Michael Chan • October 23, 2023
Ingredients 1-2 baby gem or butter lettuce 1 pound of jumbo shrimp with shells Finely chopped dill (to taste) Lemon (to taste) Kewpie sesame dressing (to taste) Shiso dressing (to taste) Tabasco (to taste) 2 ripe avocados Steps The shrimp In a large non-stick pan, heat olive oil until smoking, add the shrimp and a pinch of salt. Color both sides until golden orange. When the shrimp are ready, allow them out onto a cutting board to cool. De-shell the shrimp and cut into 3 to 4 pieces. Taste and check seasoning. Keep the shells and infuse in fish or chicken stock for risotto. Place in a bowl and add sesame dressing, dill, Tabasco, and lemon. Avocado mousse Peel, deseed, and blend avocados until smooth. If you do not have a blend, crush the avocado with a fork and pass through a strainer or fine sieve. Add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt. Taste. The salad Toss the shredded lettuce with a generous amount of the shiso dressing. Plating Using a medium to large ring mold, spread the avocado mousse evenly in one layer. Check the seasoning with the shrimp once more and line the next layer with the shrimp. Pack a good amount of the salad as the final layer. Carefully lift the ring mold and serve immediately. Alternative Shrimp Cocktail Wrap Instead of the avocado mousse, simply cut the avocados into cubes, mix them with the shrimp, and serve in hearts of lettuce leaves.

Red Wine Braised Short Rib

By Dr. Michael Chan • June 14, 2023
Ingredients A pack of short ribs typically contains 4-5 pieces (Boneless preferred) Handful of coarsely chopped celery (roughly the same quantity as onions and carrots) ½ yellow onion (medium) coarsely chopped 2 coarsely chopped medium carrots 3 cloves of coarsely chopped garlic 1/3 – 1/2 bottle of red wine (Trader Joe’s Tribunal, Phantom, 7 Deadly Sins Zinfandel – something that is really bold) Knorr chicken or beef stock pot / granules 1-2 sprigs of rosemary and generous handful of thyme tied together with butcher’s twine All-purpose flour (enough to coat the short ribs) Approx. 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (enough to coat the vegetables until everything turns red) Salt (to taste) Pepper (to taste) Steps Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Dust the short ribs with all-purpose flour. Heat a non-stick pan, add olive oil, brown all sides of the short ribs, and set aside. Heat an oven safe pot (preferably a cast iron one) with olive oil and sweat the garlic, carrots, celery, and onions (approx. 6-8 min). Add tomato paste enough to coat all the vegetables and cook out for about 2 minutes. Add the short ribs and herbs. Add red wine (enough to submerge all the ingredients) and reduce until alcohol has evaporated. Add beef or chicken stock enough to submerge all ingredients by about 0.5 inch. Bring to a simmer. Check seasoning (should be underseasoned because the reduction will intensify all the flavors). Place the pot in the oven for 2.5 -3 hours. Check seasoning and further reduce until very rich. Sauce should be thick and coat the spoon. Garnish - roasted parsnip chips Ingredients 1 parsnip peeled (like ribbons) Steps Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In salted boiling water, cook parsnips for one minute, drain and pat dry on paper towels. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes (Tip: The air in the fridge is very dry, and it is a great way to further draw out moisture allowing the product to be extra crispy at the end). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, spread out parsnips on a single layer, drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve immediately. Additional Notes This dish should be left overnight and served the following day. It works wonderfully with pasta that has been lightly tossed in olive oil or egg yolk (like a carbonara). Naan bread, short grain rice, or mashed potatoes also work.

Tagliatelle Al Ragu

By Dr. Michael Chan • June 14, 2023
Ingredients (Serves 3) ½ finely diced sweet onion (approx. equal quantities of onion, celery, and carrot) 2 finely diced celery sticks 1 finely diced carrot 250g minced pork (Whole Foods or Bristol Farms sweet Italian sausage is my favorite – approx. 2 , remove casing and crumble) 250g minced beef 25 mL of milk 2 tablespoons of tomato puree 150 mL of passata 200 mL of chicken stock 250g of pasta Parmesan or pecorino to taste Steps Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven (any cast iron pot will work nicely) and fry minced beef and pork. Add a pinch of salt to assist in drawing out the moisture. When golden brown, drain fat, and set aside (Tip: Water will first be removed from the mince and the meat will begin to brown only when fat has been rendered. This will take approx. 5-7 mins). In the same pot, add more olive oil and sweat onion, celery, and carrot until soft. Add a pinch of salt to assist in drawing out moisture. Add mince back into the pot. Add the tomato puree until all the ingredients are nicely coated and cook for about 2 min. Add passata followed with milk. Simmer for 3 minutes. Deglaze pot with chicken stock. Check seasoning (it should be slightly under seasoned as flavors will intensify after simmering). Heat oven to 275 degrees and simmer gently for 1.5 -2 hours until reduced and thickened. It should be very rich. Check seasoning once more and add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer more on stove top if necessary. In a separate pot, boil water and season generously with salt (how the water is seasoned will dictate the taste of the pasta). The recommended time for the egg fettucine is extremely al dente. Drain when cooked to taste. Combine sauce with pasta, shave parmesan or pecorino, and enjoy! (Tip: If you want to go super fancy, grate parmesan into a bowl. Sprinkle loosely into a non-stick pan on medium heat in a web pattern, remove when a light golden brown, and allow to dry on a cooling rack)
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