procedures
Wisdom tooth removal is the most common procedure that we provide in our office. Our staff is committed to providing your care before, during, and after your procedure. With over 21 years of experience in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery, you can rest easy that you are in good hands.
By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”
procedures
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they have partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
procedures
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
procedures
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth,our surgical team cann evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort.our surgical team has the training, license, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
procedures
Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. Our nursing staff will review appropriate post-operative care with you in an effort to reduce any complications, and to ensure a comfortable recovery. Should you have questions or concerns after your surgery, please feel free to contact our office during daytime hours orour surgical teamat the emergency number that will be provided.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques
Procedure FAQ
Questions About Wisdom Teeth
When should wisdom teeth be evaluated?
Wisdom teeth should be evaluated when they are painful, difficult to clean, partially erupted, impacted, or when a dentist recommends specialist assessment based on X-rays or symptoms.
Is wisdom tooth removal always done on the first visit?
Not always. A consultation is often needed first so the surgeon can review medical history, X-rays, risks, anesthesia options, and timing of treatment.
What should patients know before wisdom tooth surgery?
Patients should follow pre-surgical instructions, arrange transportation if sedation or anesthesia is used, and ask about medications, eating, and recovery expectations.