Wisdom Teeth REmoval in Gilbert & Phoenix AZ
Removing Impacted Teeth | Wisdom Teeth Removal Process | Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
What are wisdom teeth?
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Gilbert Office Gilbert Office Request an AppointmentRemoving Impacted Wisdom Teeth
What is an impacted tooth?
Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted wisdom teeth. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.
Types Of Impactions
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Soft Tissue
Partial Bony
Complete BonyContact us today to request an appointment with our caring, nurturing staff where your comfort and health comes first.
Gilbert Office Gilbert Office Request an AppointmentWisdom Teeth Removal Process
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Abedi and Dr. Ardalan 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 I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your 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 12 or 13, 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 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. There are a number of factors that 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 happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people choose sedation for wisdom tooth removal to avoid the experience. During your consultation, we will discuss anesthesia options. All procedures are performed under anesthesia by trained, licensed staff in a safe environment with modern monitoring equipment. The surgical team and facilities are regularly inspected for safety.
On surgery day, you’ll take medications to reduce pain and swelling. We recommend having an adult accompany you and stay with you afterward. The procedure typically lasts 30-60 minutes, and you’ll be in the office for about 90 minutes. Advances in technology allow for rapid healing and minimal discomfort. We follow strict sterilization and infection control protocols.
You must fast for at least 6 hours before surgery (no food or drink, except for prescribed medications with a sip of water). Failure to follow this may result in rescheduling. We may provide a prescription for pain medication in advance. During the procedure, sedation is administered through an IV, followed by local anesthesia for comfort. You will feel drowsy for the rest 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.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
Contact us today to request an appointment with our caring, nurturing staff where your comfort and health comes first.
Gilbert Office Gilbert Office Request an AppointmentFAQs About Wisdom Teeth Removal:
Commonly Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth
We understand that you may have questions about having your wisdom teeth removed. The standards for wisdom teeth extraction and care are constantly evolving at XO Dentistry to ensure you receive the highest level of care. We want you to make any decisions regarding your wisdom teeth based on knowledge and understanding. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about wisdom teeth below so you can make the best choice for your oral health.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars at the back of the mouth. They erupt later than other teeth, with most people getting them between ages 14 and 25.
Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
Many people do not have enough space in their jawbone and the back of the mouth for their wisdom teeth. Without enough space, the teeth often become trapped in the jawbone, come in crooked, or only partially erupt, making them difficult to care for and clean. Removing your wisdom teeth now is the best way to protect your other teeth and gums in the future. The resulting problems include:
- Pushing other teeth out of alignment
- Infections from debris trapped in partially emerged wisdom teeth
- Cysts beneath the gum line
- Infection in the jawbone
- Damage to nerves in the jawbone
- Painful impaction
- Decay in the surrounding area
- Gum disease
What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, our surgeon will need to review your 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 you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What is the best time to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Most people have the surgery around ages 16-18, but your dentist can advise you on the best time for you based on a complete exam and x-rays. We suggest getting your wisdom teeth removed in your late teens or twenties, before the teeth are fully developed or have grown long roots. The longer you wait, the more fully the roots integrate with your jawbone, and the more likely the roots will press on nerve bundles in the jaw, making surgery more complex.
Do I have to get my wisdom teeth removed?
No, but most people get them removed to prevent problems such as infection and impaction from cropping up later in life. Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common preventive dental procedures performed because these teeth are prone to disease and other problems. If you do not have your wisdom teeth removed, it is crucial to have them monitored by your dentist throughout your life.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, their roots lengthen and the jawbone becomes denser. Removing impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties or beyond can lead to longer recovery, higher complication rates, and more difficult treatment. Healing may be slower, and the risk of infection increases. If impacted teeth are not removed earlier, it may be best to wait until issues like cysts or gum disease arise. Overall, treatment is more predictable and complications are fewer when done in the teens or early twenties.
Are all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
If all four of your third molars need removing, it is simplest to do the surgery all at the same time to minimize time under anesthesia and recovery time. If some of your wisdom teeth are not a problem, we may decide that some do not have to be removed. Some people do not have to have any wisdom teeth removed, although this is not the norm.
How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?
The surgery typically takes less than an hour per tooth. However, the time varies depending on how impacted the teeth are and how many are removed. You are sedated during the procedure, so it will seem like no time for the patient.
What is recovery like?
It takes about a week to fully recover from wisdom tooth extraction. During this time, be sure to get lots of rest and fluids. Avoid strenuous activities for the first two to three days. Most people can return to work after three to five days, but you may experience mild swelling and discomfort for the first few days.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The surgery is painless because you are under anesthesia, and the area is numbed. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel mild discomfort or tenderness. We prescribe appropriate medications to alleviate any pain and recommend ice packs to reduce swelling.
Am I unconscious during wisdom teeth removal?
We offer several sedation and pain control options during wisdom teeth removal and review these with you before scheduling your surgery. We offer general and local anesthesia and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for our patients. Most patients prefer IV sedation, so they are asleep during the procedure.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted tooth does not fully erupt from the jawbone or is entirely trapped within the jaw. This often leads to infection and crowding of the adjacent teeth. It is common with third molars and is the main reason people have them removed.
What is a dry socket?
A blood clot forms over the empty space left behind when a wisdom tooth is removed. A dry socket may develop if the blood clot is knocked out of place. The exposed wound can cause extreme pain and sensitivity to heat and cold. With proper after-care, you can prevent a dry socket. It is essential to avoid smoking, using straws, and brushing the area while it heals. When rinsing your mouth, do not spit; instead, lean over the sink and let the water drain out of your mouth. We give you complete home care instructions to minimize your risk of dry socket after wisdom tooth removal.
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 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
If you have questions about wisdom teeth care or removal, please contact our Gilbert dental office at Gilbert Office Phone Number (480) 900-0001 or our Phoenix dental office at Phoenix Office Phone Number (623) 463-2222 to schedule an appointment.