Wisdom Teeth
IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH
Are you in your teens or early twenties, and suddenly experiencing pain in the rear of your jaw? Are your back gums red, swollen, or even bleeding? Are you having difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to eat or brush your teeth? These could be signs of impacted wisdom teeth, and you need to contact the team at
Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery right away. Our surgeons are highly experienced at wisdom tooth removal, and will keep you relaxed and comfortable every step of the way.
Call and Schedule your Consult
When you come in toAlliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeryto discuss removal of impacted wisdom teeth, Dr. Parmer and Dr. Macholl will start by performing a thorough examination of your mouth, and take x-rays. These will determine if there's a problem with the position of your wisdom teeth, and determine the best course of action. If surgery is indicated, it will be performed under full sedation to ensure the patient's comfort and safety. Dr. Parmer, Dr. Macholl and their staff are trained and licensed in the administration of both local and general anesthesia.
Studies have proven that the sooner you get problem wisdom teeth taken care of, the better your outcome will be. If you or your child's dentist or orthodontist has recommended an evaluation for potential problems with the wisdom teeth, take it seriously. Call Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today @ 817-741-2200!
But my Wisdom Teeth don't hurt - So why get them removed?
If your wisdom teeth aren't bothering you now, why go through the hassle of getting them extracted? After all, you're a teenager, or a college student, and you have places to go and people to see. If your third molars are struggling to erupt in an overcrowded mouth, it can cause serious problems down the line, which can hit you hardest when you're even busier (think 30+). The most common problems resulting from untreated, impacted wisdom teeth are:
Infection
When a tooth is unable to erupt (grow in) freely, the tissue around it becomes irritated, and this can lead to pericoronitis, a localized gum infection. Pain, swelling, and problems chewing or swallowing are common symptoms of this infection, and it's a problem we see most often at Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Cyst Formation
Another possible complication of leaving impacted wisdom teeth in place is the growth of cysts. Cysts are thin-walled, liquid-filled cavities that expand, resulting in the destruction of jaw bone and tooth loss. The removal and treatment of cysts can result in big surgeries with incisions on the skin below the jaw, so get your wisdom teeth removed while you're young at Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Possible Crowding
Your parents spent a lot of money, and you endured some uncomfortable years getting your teeth straightened with braces. Now that you're in high school or college, and your braces have been off for awhile, you're noticing your front teeth, particularly your lowers, are starting to get crooked again. Crowding of teeth after braces can happen for any number of reasons, and retained, impacted wisdom teeth can add to this problem. Protect your smile, and make an appointment with Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery without delay.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth in place can have a domino effect on the teeth nearest to them. Your wisdom tooth can erode into the root of the tooth in front of it, causing you to lose your second molars. Why risk it over fear of wisdom tooth removal. Call Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. .
Earlier Intervention = Better Outcome
The natural development of permanent teeth involves lengthening of the roots, as well as increasing density of the surrounding jaw bone. The same principle applies to the wisdom teeth. Getting them removed while the roots are still relatively short in a 16-year-old patient is a lot easier than removing them in a 30- or 40-year-old patient when a surgeon has to contend with longer roots and a thicker jaw bone. Younger patients also heal faster and typically experience fewer complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the day they are removed?
The big day is here. You're getting your impacted wisdom teeth removed and naturally, you're a bit nervous. Good news, you needn't be. The first thing that will happen when you sit in the chair at Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, you go to sleep before the procedure even starts. The bottom line is, you will be blissfully unaware of what's going on while we perform your surgery. Our surgeons are thoroughly trained and hold the appropriate licensure to ensure your comfort and safety, and we utilize a full array of monitors and equipment, which are annually inspected.
Once underway, your procedure will take 45-60 minutes, and most patients remain in the office for about an hour after surgery until the anesthesia wears off. For those under 18, a parent should accompany you to your procedure. If you're over 18, you should still have a responsible adult bring you to your appointment and remain with you the rest of the day.
In the hours leading up to your surgery, you must not to eat or drink anything. If you need to take prescription medication, you may do so with a minimal drink of water. For at least 8 hours, preferably longer, before your procedure, your stomach should be completely empty. Please don't attempt to scarf "a last hoorah meal" exactly 8 hours before your appointment! This can lead to serious complications with the anesthesia, such as nausea and vomiting.
At your initial surgical consultation, we will write you a prescription for post-operative pain medication, which you can fill whenever you wish, ideally in advance. In the surgical room, we will start taking the appropriate measures to get you relaxed and comfortable. An IV will be inserted to deliver the anesthesia medications to put you to sleep. Local anesthesia is administered after the general anesthesia has taken effect. You should expect to feel sleepy for the rest of the day.
If stitches are required in your procedure, we'll use the dissolvable type. These take about 5 to 7 days to disappear, and do not require a separate appointment to remove.
When the local anesthesia wears off, that's when pain medication will most likely be required. If you are not allergic, we recommend you try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin®) first. If that doesn't keep you comfortable, then start taking your prescription medication. Anesthesia can remain in your system for a couple of days. During your initial recovery period, we recommend a post-operative diet of liquids, broths (not too hot) and Jell-o, then gradually increasing to soft then to solid food intake.
One more thing, DON'T SMOKE!This can result in dry sockets, an excruciatingly painful condition that can cause further complications.
How much will my procedure Cost?Will my insurance cover it?
The cost of wisdom tooth removal depends on how deeply the teeth are impacted. When you come in for your initial evaluation, your surgeon will take x-rays and review them with you to determine the best course of action for your situation. At that point, a fairly accurate estimation of your final cost can be provided.
If you are utilizing insurance, coverage can vary from company to company. Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery's office staff will work on your behalf to ensure you receive an accurate estimate of possible coverage based on your insurance verification and guidelines.