Wisdom Teeth Removal

 
 
 

Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the final permanent molars to develop and erupt in the mouth. Many times, there just isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into their proper position, leading to complications such as impaction, infection, misalignment of surrounding teeth, and more. In most cases, it is best to remove the wisdom teeth to prevent the complications that may develop. For many patients, the best time to undergo the removal of wisdom teeth is the mid to late teenage years.

The removal of wisdom teeth is a very common oral surgery procedure. Dr. Johnson and Dr. McDonald routinely extract wisdom teeth at our offices in Wenatchee and Moses Lake, WA. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we encourage our patients to have their dentist monitor the development of their wisdom teeth early so that together, we can determine the best time to remove them.

Do I need wisdom teeth extraction?

On average, third molars tend to erupt from the gums in the late teens to early 20s, although these teeth may come in earlier or later. Most patients have all four wisdom teeth, but having more or fewer than four is also common. Because most people do not have sufficient room for the teeth to grow and function normally, and since the complications that wisdom teeth can cause outweigh the benefits, oral surgeons recommend preventive removal.

Causes of Wisdom Teeth Complications

Impaction is a common complication for wisdom teeth. A wisdom tooth is said to be impacted when it is unable to grow into its proper position in the mouth or remains stuck beneath the gums.

Other common issues due to impacted wisdom teeth include

  • Dental crowding

  • Periodontal gum disease

  • Damage to surrounding teeth and gums

  • Cysts, tumors, and other growths

The best solution to avoiding these complications is early identification of wisdom teeth and continued monitoring of their growth. This ensures that they are removed in a timely manner. Please maintain regular checkups with your dentist to allow him or her to monitor your wisdom teeth’s growth and development and determine when to refer you to us for a consultation about removing your wisdom teeth.

The Procedure

The procedure will start with an initial consultation with one of our oral surgeons, who will complete an oral examination, medical review, and X-ray evaluation of your wisdom teeth. Your oral surgeon will determine the best treatment plan for you and discuss your options. At the consultation, we will also discuss your anesthesia options, including IV sedation. Drs. Johnson and McDonald can all perform outpatient anesthesia in our offices in Wenatchee, WA, and Moses Lake, WA. Your consultation is the ideal time to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming procedure.

After the anesthesia is administered, our oral surgeons will make an incision through the gums, remove the wisdom teeth, and gently suture the surgical areas. The number of wisdom teeth, their size, and current position in the mouth will determine the length of the surgery.

Patients who have agreed to have IV sedation must have a responsible adult drive them to and from their procedure and monitor them until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off completely. Our staff will provide specific before and after care instructions for you to follow. It is important that you follow these instructions before the surgery for your safety and after the surgery for a quick and ideal recovery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Drs. Johnson and McDonald are highly trained in the removal of wisdom teeth, having worked with patients of all ages and having several decades of experience between them. If your general dentist has recommended an evaluation of your wisdom teeth for removal, or if you are experiencing discomfort or other symptoms around your wisdom teeth, please contact our offices in Wenatchee or Moses Lake for a consultation as soon as possible. We look forward to providing you and your family with the quality care you can expect from Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery.

To request a consultation and learn more about our services, please request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!