Extracting Third Molars
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that grow in the very back of your mouth. It is uncommon for patients to have a large enough mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth without experiencing symptoms that warrant removal. Wisdom teeth often grow below the surface of the gums and remain undetectable at an early age. That is why it is important to undergo regular dental exams and proper X-ray evaluation to determine if wisdom teeth are present.
Wisdom teeth removal is relatively common; approximately 85% of wisdom teeth need to be removed to prevent future oral health problems. Impacted teeth can experience issues, such as the growth of cysts and tumors, or may even grow at an angle, directly toward other healthy molars. This angular growth can cause crowding and misalignment of your otherwise healthy teeth.
Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Some people have one or two wisdom teeth, others grow four or more, and some individuals have no wisdom teeth at all. The best way to know the condition of your wisdom teeth, or if you even have them, is to schedule an evaluation with a dental professional. If your wisdom teeth are positioned in a manner that presents problems, they will be recommended for removal. Wisdom teeth tend to grow in at an angle toward the other molars, which can cause severe pain, lead to oral infection, or cause pathological conditions. When the wisdom tooth is growing in, it can trap plaque and debris, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay or gum disease. The wisdom teeth damage neighboring molars and can harm the jaw bone and important nerves in the face.
While wisdom teeth removal procedures can be performed on adults, it is best to have wisdom teeth extracted during the mid to late teens. By removing wisdom teeth during this period, we can prevent them from disrupting the normal growth and alignment of your healthy teeth. Additionally, the wisdom teeth aren’t fully formed, and the jaw bone is more forgiving at an early age, making the recovery much more comfortable following treatment. Whether you have partially erupted or fully erupted wisdom teeth, we will gladly schedule you an evaluation to help you determine whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Who Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the dental specialists who most commonly remove wisdom teeth. The two main reasons patients often seek specialists for this procedure are experience and anesthesia options. Oral surgeons have specific training and experience in managing both simple and very complex wisdom tooth removal procedures. The training received by oral surgeons also focuses on managing complications that can arise from this type of procedure. Anesthesia for wisdom tooth removal can include local anesthetic or nitrous oxide sedation, but most patients prefer to be completely asleep for this procedure. The extensive training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons allows them to provide these options in a safe and comfortable environment.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth can be removed using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, or IV anesthesia to help ease any anxiety the extraction procedure may cause and ensure a pain-free removal. We will discuss your anesthesia options and their benefits and risks with you before your procedure to help you select the sedation option that best suits your needs.
If you have your wisdom teeth removed at Granger Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Granger, IN, or near South Bend, IN, Dr. Anderson will review your medical and dental history and take X-rays or 3D scans if necessary that will reveal the position, length, and shape of your wisdom teeth. We want you to understand and experience optimal recovery from your treatment. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease moving forward with your treatment.
If your wisdom teeth have not fully grown in, removal requires an incision into the gums and removal of a small piece of bone to expose the wisdom tooth. The tooth will then be extracted in smaller portions to minimize the amount of bone that is removed.
If you are in need of wisdom teeth extraction and want more information, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taite R. Anderson. He has removed wisdom teeth for thousands of patients. Our office staff and Dr. Anderson are happy to answer any questions you may have about your procedure. Dr. Anderson performs wisdom teeth extractions regularly at our Granger, IN, office and is highly proficient in performing this procedure.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi I'm Alison from Niles and I came to Granger Oral Surgery for my procedure. When I first walked into this practice everybody was really nice to me and made me feel a lot better about my procedure my doctor was really nice he did really good on the procedure my recovery was great and I felt a lot better since it was really easy. I was glad that they did my procedure. My overall experience with this practice was really great I would recommend Granger Oral Surgery to others it was is a really great place to go to."
"What required my oral surgery was my wisdom teeth were growing in, and the roots were also growing into my nasal cavity. When I came in, I was very nervous to get my wisdom teeth taken out. I was afraid it was going to hurt really, really bad, but it was alright. When I came in, the staff was really nice. They kept me calm throughout the whole process really. Dr. Anderson was really nice. He explained everything that was going to happen beforehand and when I came back in to actually get the surgery done. Overall, I did have a good experience here. I would recommend Granger Oral Surgery."
"My three children had their wisdom teeth in need of being extracted, and the initial phone call really answered a lot of my questions and kind of eased a lot of my anxieties. All three of my children's procedures were pretty similar; the recovery time was a little bit different. Everything went really well from start to finish. Even that night, Dr. Anderson personally calls you, which just always surprised me, and it was just a pleasant surprise, just very, again, compassionate and concerned about their well-being and how they were recovering. Dr. Anderson is just a very kind and compassionate person. That comes across from the moment you meet him. I know my children were very much at ease. I would highly recommend Dr. Anderson."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth are typically removed between the ages of 17 and 25, when the teeth are still developing and the roots have not fully formed. However, the exact timing can vary based on individual circumstances, such as the position and development of the teeth. In some cases, removal may be necessary later in life if complications arise.
2. What can I expect during the wisdom tooth extraction procedure?
The wisdom teeth removal procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and patient preference. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue, remove any bone blocking access to the tooth, extract the tooth, and then close the incision with stitches if necessary. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
3. What is the recovery process like after having wisdom teeth removed?
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal usually involves some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding for the first few days. Patients are advised to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and follow post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, using ice packs, and eating soft foods. Most people can return to normal activities within a few days, with complete healing taking a few weeks.
4. Are there any risks or complications with having wisdom teeth removed?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with wisdom teeth removal. These can include infection, dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site), nerve damage, and sinus issues. However, complications are relatively rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced oral surgeon. Proper aftercare and following the surgeon's instructions can help minimize these risks.
Granger’s Go-To Oral Surgery Practice: Where Compassion Meets Quality
Granger Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is no ordinary dental office. We’re an advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery practice that provides quality, compassionate care, takes time to build relationships with our patients, and ensures everyone feels welcome and at ease when they walk through our doors. We are proud to serve our community and invite you to take the first step toward enhanced oral health by contacting us to schedule a consultation.