Dr. Praj has been working my teeth for awhile now. She a highly skilled dentist. She’s done three fillings for me and has the gentlest touch with the local anesthetic. She is a master of teeth cleaning!
Kalani R.In most cases, we strive to preserve teeth, or replace those that are unavoidably lost. Virtually every natural tooth is important for oral health and functionality – but there are exceptions. Specifically, the third set of molars, more often referred to as wisdom teeth, are neither necessary nor beneficial. In truth, they can pose serious risks to your oral health. Dr. Ruhi Sangha and Dr. Praj Kamat of Transcendentist in Berkeley, CA often recommend removal of wisdom teeth in order to prevent infection as well as damage to other teeth and surrounding tissue.
Secondary (adult) teeth typically begin emerging when a child is around six or seven years old. By the time he or she is a teenager, 28 permanent teeth (front teeth, premolars, first and second molars) have generally appeared. By age 16, the majority of jaw growth and development is complete. At this point, the individual has a fully functional oral structure. Then come the third set of molars (lower and upper wisdom teeth), usually erupting between the ages of 17 and 21. Unfortunately, many people don’t have room for more teeth in their mouths.
What happens when an erupting tooth has nowhere to go? Often, it stays partially or completely below the gum line, a condition known as an impacted tooth.
This invites a host of problems, including:
There is no doubt that an infected or broken wisdom tooth needs to be extracted. However, many people can avoid these painful problems by getting wisdom teeth out while they are in their late teens. Dr. Ruhi Sangha or Dr. Praj Kamat will perform a detailed examination including digital x-rays to determine if a person’s wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems before making a recommendation.
If there is enough space and wisdom teeth are likely to develop trouble-free, there is no need to remove them. Your dentist will advise you about wisdom teeth care and monitor their development. However, if the teeth are growing at a poor angle, or they are on track to cause damage, then early removal is a wise choice. Please call us at (510) 800-7660 to schedule an examination to learn what is best for your situation.
Dr. Praj Kamat earned her dental degree from the renowned Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Committed to providing high-quality dental care, she also believes in practicing environmentally responsible dentistry. Dr. Kamat integrates environmentally friendly practices into her approach, ensuring that her work not only benefits patients but also minimizes environmental impact. Her patient-centered care and dedication to sustainability make her a trusted dental partner for her patients.
Dr. Ruhi Sangha graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Admired for her caring and compassionate approach, Dr. Sangha combines her artistic skills with advanced dental techniques to provide exceptional care. She is an avid learner, continuously updating her knowledge to ensure that the best and most up-to-date treatment options are available to her patients. Dr. Sangha’s dedication to patient-centered care makes her a trusted and skilled professional in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Praj has been working my teeth for awhile now. She a highly skilled dentist. She’s done three fillings for me and has the gentlest touch with the local anesthetic. She is a master of teeth cleaning!
Kalani R.