Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Services

Wisdom Tooth Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Ferrara can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and assess any present issues or potential problems in the future. Multiple studies have shown that early evaluation of wisdom teeth result in better treatment outcomes and minimize potential complications. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their surgeon, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

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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 prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State of the art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.

On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing to a soft diet. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth are often removed when they become impacted, cause pain, or lead to infections. Even if asymptomatic, they may still be extracted to prevent future complications, typically between the ages of 17-25 when the roots are less developed.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure itself is not painful, as local anesthesia and sedation options are provided for your comfort. You may experience mild discomfort during recovery, but this can be managed with prescribed pain relief and following post-operative care instructions.

How long is the recovery period after wisdom teeth removal?

Most patients recover within 3-5 days, though some swelling and mild discomfort may persist for up to a week. Following aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments will ensure a smooth recovery.

Are there risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction?

Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including dry socket, infection, or minor nerve damage. However, these risks are minimized by following your surgeon’s instructions and having the procedure performed by an experienced oral surgeon like Dr. Ferrara.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our surgeons and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Southern Oral Surgery. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our surgeons, contact our dental offices in Fayetteville and Griffin.

Oral and Facial Surgery

We understand that Oral and Facial Surgery is a daunting treatment recommendation. That’s why we’re committed to your comfort. Rest assured our team is well equipped to handle every patient’s case. We offer a full range of oral and facial surgery procedures and care. We offer but are not limited to the following procedures: wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, dental extractions, bone grafting, oral pathology, and maxillofacial trauma. Contact our team with any questions you have, we’ll be happy to help.

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