Wisdom Teeth Removal
WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED? | WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED AS A TEENAGER OR YOUNG ADULT? | WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY WISDOM TEETH ARE REMOVED? | WHAT DOES WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL COST AND IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE? | WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE SURGERY?
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Rodenburg, Dr. MacMenamin, Dr. Brown, Dr. Burns, Dr. Shearen, Dr. Tyler and Dr. Capp can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth. 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 doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, several problems may occur. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients, it is as early as 12 or 13 years old, and in others, it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to the crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth, and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. Several factors cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone denser. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties, or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably, and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
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Minnesota Locations: Woodbury Office Phone Number 651-233-2140 Wisconsin Locations: Hudson Office Phone Number 715-690-3040 Book an AppointmentWhat happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually elect to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our team has the training, licensing, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well-trained experienced team. The Oral Surgery Center Team, our office facilities, and our doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners regularly.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to our office and plans to stay with you for the rest of the day. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
If you choose sedation, on the morning or afternoon of your surgery, you must have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 8 hours. This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly eight hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk of serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterward to ensure comfort and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolves in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery and will subside in several days.
The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broth, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by several factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is chosen. During your consultation appointment, your surgeon will need to review your X-rays, complete an examination, and discuss anesthesia options, so an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. Our business team will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What if I have questions before surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Woodbury Office Phone Number 651-233-2140 or Hudson Office Phone Number 715-690-3040.
To read more about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk of serious anesthetic complications.