Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, such as infection, pain, swelling, or impaction, if they are not removed early or emerge incorrectly in the mouth.
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Most dental professionals recommend getting your wisdom teeth, or third molars, removed early to avoid a number of future oral health complications, such as impaction or infection. These third molars are the last set of molars to erupt in the mouth, and the mouth typically does not have enough room for them. This causes them to grow in at odd angles, possibly pushing other teeth out of the way. When the tooth cannot properly emerge, it is considered to be impacted and can result in pain and other oral health issues.
Patients have shared their stories with us regarding their wisdom teeth removal procedures. Please feel free to listen to them so that you can feel more comfortable about your own wisdom teeth removal procedure.
Wisdom teeth begin to develop around the ages of 17 to 21 for most people. Some people never develop any wisdom teeth, while others develop all four or only a couple. We recommend having wisdom teeth removed in the early teen years to avoid problems in the future, even if they are not causing issues.
If wisdom teeth are left untreated, many oral health issues can arise. As the wisdom teeth try to squeeze into the dental arch, they can damage adjacent molars, pushing them and your other adult teeth out of alignment. This may cause other dental issues to occur, such as general misalignment or bite problems. When teeth are crowded together, it's difficult to clean between them, increasing the risk of cavities, infection, and gum disease.
Dr. Roden and Dr. Alling are oral and maxillofacial surgery experts who have many years of experience removing wisdom teeth. We can perform this procedure in the comfort of our office in Birmingham, AL, and offer many anesthesia and sedation options to ensure a comfortable surgical experience.
Impacted wisdom teeth have become blocked by overlying gum tissue and/or bone tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth cannot erupt on their own and must be surgically removed. Sometimes wisdom teeth present no symptoms, even when they are impacted, so dental exams are crucial for tracking the development of third molars.
Impacted wisdom teeth may cause these symptoms:
If an impacted wisdom tooth is causing pain or problems, or if you or your child have been recommended for an extraction procedure, please contact us to schedule an evaluation with one of our trusted oral surgeons.
The process begins with a consultation appointment, where we will take 3D scans of your mouth, discuss your anesthesia options, and create your custom treatment plan.
We offer several types of anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal, including:
During the procedure, your oral surgeon will use forceps to extract wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gums. To remove impacted teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue, extract the tooth, and place sutures as necessary. You will be ready to go home after the anesthesia wears off, and your recovery will begin.
At our practice, we offer outstanding care at competitive prices for the Birmingham, Alabama, area and accept many payment methods and financial options. During your consultation, your surgeon will create a surgical plan that includes the estimated cost for your treatment. This estimate will be based on how many teeth will be extracted, the anesthesia, your insurance coverage, and the overall complexity of the procedure. Find out how much your wisdom tooth removal would cost by contacting Roden Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery for a consultation.
Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having third molars extracted as soon as possible, although adults of any age can undergo wisdom teeth removal. By choosing to have your wisdom teeth removed, you make an investment in your oral health and comfort.
If you would like to find out the right time to have your or your child's wisdom teeth extracted, contact us today for an appointment.
Our team at Roden Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery will take excellent care of you before, during, and after your procedure. It is important that you follow our detailed pre- and post-operative self-care instructions to ensure your safety and a smooth recovery. These instructions will advise you on how to prepare for surgery, what foods to avoid during recovery, how to prevent a dry socket, and more.
We typically use IV sedation for wisdom tooth extractions, which will render you into a semi-conscious state. You will not feel pain and will wake up with little to no memory of the procedure. After surgery, some discomfort and swelling can be expected as you heal. You can manage these symptoms with ice packs, rest, and over-the-counter pain medications.
Human jaws are often too small to accommodate these extra molars without causing oral health problems, though not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people are lucky enough to be born without any wisdom teeth at all. During regular visits, your family dentist will track the development of your or your child’s wisdom teeth and will indicate if and when extraction is recommended. Early treatment for wisdom teeth can save time, money, and prevent discomfort.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the most qualified dental experts to perform surgery to the mouth and face. Dentists can perform simple tooth extractions, but they refer patients to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal because this procedure is more extensive and often requires more advanced anesthesia beyond a local anesthetic.
You can return to your routine when you feel up to it, although it may take up to 2 weeks for the surgical sites to completely heal. Plan on taking it easy for a couple of days and stick to a soft-food diet for at least a day or two. Be sure not to drink through a straw or smoke for at least 3 days following your procedure. The suction motion may dislodge the blood clot, causing a painful condition known as dry socket. Contact our office immediately if you suspect a dry socket or are experiencing severe pain.
If you are ready to schedule a consultation or have questions, contact our office in Birmingham, AL.
