Face and Jaw Surgery Center

Your dentist has just given you the news that most of us will hear sooner or later: one or more of your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Sure, you have known friends and family members who underwent the procedure; you are aware that it is common and relatively minor. But things change when it’s going to be you in that chair, and you now find yourself wanting to get all the facts about the procedure and about wisdom teeth extraction recovery.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be taken out? As you probably know, wisdom teeth are the last molars to appear, and come in at the very back of your mouth. For a lucky few people, these third molars are well-aligned, cause no problems, and do not need to be removed. However, they often grow in sideways, only partially erupt from the gum, or, worst of all, get impacted or trapped beneath the gum and bone. When this happens, complications such as swelling, pain, infection and illness can result and surgery is a must. Often, dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal as soon as they see problems developing in order to prevent more serious future interventions.

Who will operate on me and what will it involve? Your surgery will be done by a licensed oral surgeon who has had years of training and clinical experience in this type of work. Before the operation, you will get plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you may have about what is in store. When the time comes, you will most likely be put under general anesthesia. The methods used to remove your wisdom teeth will vary, depending on your specific case. As you might imagine, the surgery is more complex if one or more of your teeth are impacted. Your health and safety will be constantly monitored throughout your surgery by the surgeon and staff trained in the use of anesthesia. You will be allowed to rest comfortably in the office until you and your escort are ready to go home. At that time, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled and prescriptions may be dispensed. Face and Jaw Surgery Staff will ensure that you understand all after-care instructions before you leave.

What should I expect once I get home? Your comfort and speed of recovery over the next few days will depend, in a large part, on how well you follow the instructions given by your oral surgeon. Pay careful attention to any specific instructions you have received, and also keep these general tips in mind:

• Do not disturb the wound. If you do, irritation and infection could result.
• Don’t smoke for at least 3 days, preferably a week, as it could lead to pain, bleeding and infection.
• Don’t spit or suck through a straw. Your body has formed a clot as part of the healing process, and engaging in these activities could dislodge it, resulting in a painful condition known as dry socket.
• If you experience bleeding, place a clean gauze pack over the site and apply firm pressure for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
• During the first 3 to 4 days, swelling is normal. To alleviate it, for the first 48 hours, place a cold pack on the area 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Use a warm compress in a similar fashion after 48 hours.
• After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times a day to help with healing. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with six-eight ounces of water.
• Take acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or prescription pain medications as directed.
• Eating a soft diet is often recommended for the first few days after wisdom teeth extraction.
• Finally, don’t hesitate to call your oral surgeon if you have questions or concerns.

Now you are armed with some basic facts. You can go to your oral surgery appointment with a better idea of what to expect. Getting your wisdom teeth removed is no picnic, but at least you know what steps you can take to minimize your discomfort after the procedure.

Many people find it necessary to have their wisdom teeth extracted. This procedure is relatively common, because these teeth can cause a few different problems. Having a good understanding of what wisdom teeth are and why they are usually removed can help a patient feel more comfortable with the procedure.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to appear in one’s mouth. They typically appear around the age of eighteen. Like the other two sets of molars, these teeth are designed to grind food before it is swallowed.

What Problems Do They Cause and Why?

Unfortunately most people do not have room in their mouths for these final four teeth. The lack of space can obstruct the growth of the wisdom teeth, causing them to not completely emerge from the gums or grow in inappropriately. In some cases, they may actually become trapped under the bone, so that they cannot be seen at all.

Teeth that have not grown in properly can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the jaw and gums. When the teeth have only partially grown in, bacterial infections are common, which can then lead to illness. Aside from the direct problems caused by wisdom teeth, they can also affect other teeth and the jaw itself. The teeth may become misaligned or even develop tumors or cysts.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction is performed by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon (a dental specialist). In many cases, all four wisdom teeth are removed, although this is not always necessary. The dentist or surgeon will examine the teeth and use x-rays to determine the best procedure. This is usually an outpatient surgery.

In this procedure either local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected area, or general anesthesia, which prevents pain throughout the body, will be used. General anesthesia is more popular and causes the patient to sleep through the surgery. An incision in the gums is often needed to remove the offending tooth, and one may have stitches to close the wound. The stitches used are usually dissolved over time, but when non-dissolvable stitches are used, they are removed a few days after the surgery.

After Surgery

The patient is usually observed for a short time following this procedure. When general anesthetic is used, the oral surgeon will wait until the patient is awake. He or she is then allowed to go home with a family member or friend. Painkillers are typically prescribed. The dentist or surgeon will give specific instructions of what to expect and how to avoid disrupting the healing process. Patients may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing properly and there are no complications.

It is recommended that wisdom teeth are removed at an early stage of development. Dealing with problem molars early has been shown to make the recovery process easier for the patient and reduce the risks associated with the extraction. Having wisdom teeth extracted can prevent painful symptoms as well as cosmetic issues caused by excess pressure on other teeth.

According to statistics from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69% of adults ages 35-44 have lost one or more permanent teeth to accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. By age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. If you have missing or damaged teeth or have dentures that you don’t like, dental implants could be an ideal solution that can give you beautiful, natural-looking, natural-acting artificial teeth.

Dental Implants are a safe and proven procedure

Over 35 years ago, a Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed a breakthrough in oral rehabilitation called dental implants. Since then, dental implants have revolutionized dental care for people with missing teeth. Now, in addition to crowns, dentures or bridges (fixed partial dentures), you have the additional option of dental implants, and with it, the experience of renewed comfort and self-confidence.

How do dental implants feel?

Dental implants give you the sensory experience of beautiful, secure, natural looking teeth that can bite into and chew any type of food your original teeth could handle. To achieve that impressive result, dental implants involve a one or two-part surgical procedure.

What is dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery consists of one or two separate procedures:

First Dental Implant Procedure:

Tiny titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. Titanium is used for several reasons, including the fact that it’s light-weight, strong, durable, non-toxic and bio-friendly. These posts function as tooth-root substitutes that provide stable anchors for the new, artificial teeth that will be attached to them.

After the implants are inserted, the bone gradually bonds with the titanium over a period of three to six months and creates a strong foundation for the artificial teeth. During this time, your dentist is creating your new, replacement teeth, and you should be able to wear temporary teeth and eat a soft diet.

Second Dental Implant Procedure:

Your surgeon may need to uncover the implants and attach metal connectors at a later time. The metal connectors protrude through the gums and attach to the artificial teeth. These connectors are completely hidden by the artificial teeth.

The entire dental implant procedure can take anything from one day to many months, but can take longer in some instances. Most patients are able to go about their daily life with minimal disruptions.

Dental implant surgery performed by trained specialists

The skilled surgeons of Face and Jaw Surgery Center in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot are highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive training in performing dental implants surgery.

North Dakota Dental Implant Specialists

Find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with the oral surgeons at Face and Jaw Surgery Center at one of our four, convenient locations.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN.

Bismarck, ND office
Fargo, ND office
Grand Forks, ND office
Minot, ND office

Before Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia

• You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for six hours prior to the appointment.
• No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, stop smoking two weeks or longer prior to the day of surgery.
• Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
• A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
• The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.
• Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery. Please bring your eyeglasses and a contact lens case to the appointment, or wear your eyeglasses.
• Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
• If you have an illness such as a cold, the flu, bronchitis, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
• If you take routine oral medications, please check with our office prior to your surgical date for instructions.
• The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

Immediately Following Surgery

The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for a half hour. After this time, the gauze pad should be removed and discarded.

Mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. This may cause bleeding by disturbing the beneficial blood clot.

Take the recommended and/or prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming diminished.

As our patient, it is all about you.

Our goal is to make your interaction with our office as smooth and easy as possible. In some cases, your first appointment at our office can actually be your surgical appointment. Our practice coordinators will collect information about your planned treatment and about your medical history. This information will be reviewed and if there are no concerns requiring further information or coordination, you may be scheduled for surgery. It is important that you have discussed the planned treatment with your general dentist and understand your dentist’s recommendations. Please make sure our coordinators are aware of all of your medications including prescription medications, doctor’s office samples, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbals, and nutritional supplements. Please let our coordinators also know about your medical conditions, especially heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, artificial hip or knee joints, etc. Patients under 18 years old will need to be brought by a parent or legally appointed guardian. Please follow the preoperative instructions that you are given.

Background Information

Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires a residency of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Our surgeons practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from dental implant surgery and third molar (wisdom tooth) removal to corrective jaw surgery. This also includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and fractures.