Wisdom Teeth Removal

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal:

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most posterior teeth in the mouth.  These teeth typically begin to erupt and become visible in the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, most individuals simply do not have enough room in their mouth for these teeth to fully erupt or to keep clean and be functional. If there is insufficient space for these teeth to fully erupt, the teeth are called impacted.  Due to this fact, it is often necessary to extract these teeth in order to improve the patient’s oral health and help prevent dental decay and gum disease.  

Most dental and medical professionals agree that wisdom teeth should be removed in order to avoid potential problems as a patient ages. Third molar extractions are typically better tolerated in adolescence to young adulthood, about 15 to 25 years of age, however, each patient is unique. During this period, the tooth has less root formation, making them easier to remove and less likely to cause complications. Additional reasons for removing third molars include incomplete eruption, gum disease around teeth, dental crowding, orthodontic treatment, and potential damage to adjacent teeth. Regardless of the age of the patient, the surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants are experts at working with each patient to determine the best solutions for each unique situation.

Consultation and recommendations:

At the first visit, a patient will have a thorough oral examination and a review of dental imaging and medical history. Based on the results of the exam and imaging,  the surgeon will develop a plan with the most up to date and safest treatment recommendations. During the consultation, each patient is encouraged to ask questions about the surgery and discuss concerns. Drs. Haas, Stich, Kurtzman, Pearson, Sundick, Neuner, McMahon, Spanel, Omlie and Ziegler are experienced, well-trained, and will work hard to determine the best treatment options for each individual patient.

Wisdom tooth Removal:

The surgery will occur in our operating suites, using the most current and up to date techniques and monitoring equipment. During surgery, the surgeon will extract the teeth while the patient is treated with local anesthesia, laughing gas, IV sedation or a combination of these agents. After the teeth have been removed, the gum tissue may be stitched shut with a dissolvable suture. The duration of the surgery will vary by patient and surgical complexity. The surgeon will explain all of these options during the initial exam.

After surgery:

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, therefore patients may experience mild discomfort and swelling after the procedure. The initial exam and surgery will include information about what to expect during the recovery and how to adjust a patient’s diet and lifestyle, if needed.  Each patient will also go home with a post-operative kit that has instructions, possible prescriptions and various other things that may be needed.

As with all of our surgical procedures, the surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants are dedicated to our patients’ comfort and surgical success.

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