Wisdom Teeth & Oral Surgery Q&A

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Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No, wisdom teeth only need to be removed when they erupt through the gum line in a way that can cause crowding, decay or other problems with the teeth or gums. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and often, they have little room to grow. As a result, they may come in at an angle or only partially erupt, causing pain, infection and even damage to the underlying jaw bone. When wisdom teeth cause problems like these, they need to be removed. No need to worry – The dentists at Palo Alto Dental Spa use the most advanced extraction methods aimed at minimizing discomfort before and after extractions.

What is a bone graft?

A bone graft is a procedure that uses bone removed from another area of the mouth or a donor graft to build up areas of the jaw bone that have become damaged or atrophied due to untreated decay or tooth loss. Grafting can help ensure your jaw is strong enough to support a dental implant and for other periodontal treatments.

Can oral surgery improve the look of a “toothy” or “gummy” smile?

Yes, there are special procedures that can be used to expose more teeth or add additional gum tissue to areas where the gum-to-tooth ratio is inadequate. These remodeling procedures don't just make your smile look more balanced – they also help protect teeth and gums that may be overexposed to the buildup of damaging bacteria that can cause gum disease.

What is frenectomy?

Frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases or relaxes the tissue connecting your lip and gum to correct certain types of speech problems that develop when this tissue is too tight or thick. The dentists at Palo Alto Dental Spa perform frenectomies using scalpels or lasers, depending on each patient's needs.