Wisdom Teeth Removal

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Chahal, Dr. Deatherage, Dr. Gray, Dr. Gomez, Dr. Knoll or Dr. Miller can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential 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 doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

If there is not enough room in the mouth for the third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted Wisdom Teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as age 12 or 13, and for others it may not be until their early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing wisdom teeth include:

What If A Patient Doesn’t Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed As A Teenager Or Young Adult?

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone becomes more dense.  When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth when a patient is in their 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 impacted wisdom teeth are not removed during the teenage years or early twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem, such as cyst formation, localized gum disease, or bone loss, develops. In general, patients will heal faster, have more predictable complications,  and have fewer complications if treated as a teen or in their early twenties.

What 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 decide to be sedated. Patients will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at their consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.

On the day of the procedure, we ask that a parent or responsible adult accompany the patient to the office and plan to stay with them the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes, however patients will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. 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.

On the morning or afternoon of the scheduled surgery, it is essential that patients have nothing to eat or drink with the exception of prescription medications and a sip of water for at least 6 hours before surgery. This does not mean a patient should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before their surgery. Having anything in the stomach increases the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea, vomiting, and lung infection. The  procedure will be rescheduled if a patient has not followed these guidelines. When the patient is seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make them as comfortable as possible. If a patient is going to be sedated, an IV is usually placed in the left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of medication during the procedure. Local anesthesia is given to afterwards to ensure comfort. Patients will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

If surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in three to five days and do not require removal. Patients may also notice a sensation of their gums feeling swollen and pulling away from their teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, a prescription for pain medications may be needed. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats the pain. If not, other prescription pain medication may be started. The local anesthesia may last until the following day and should not be confused with an injury to the nerve. We recommend starting the post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, and gradually increase in substance as the body permits.

We do not recommend consuming dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If prescribed antibiotics are taken along with birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills may become ineffective and appropriate precautions must be taken by the patient.

What Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost And Is It Covered By Insurance?

The fee for treatment is determined by a number of factors. This may include the difficulty involved in removing the teeth and which type of anesthesia is best to use. The surgeon will need to review  x-rays, complete an examination, and determine the best option for anesthesia before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help each patient obtain maximum insurance coverage for their treatment.

What If I Have Questions Before Surgery?

At the scheduled consultation, the patient’s specific case will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage patients to ask any questions they may have. Patients may also call our offices to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.