WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Dingman 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.
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.
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
- Anesthesia Options: During your consultation, we will discuss suitable anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Our skilled staff uses modern monitoring equipment to provide a safe environment.
- Fasting Instructions: Do not eat or drink (except prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least six hours before your surgery to avoid anesthetic complications. Your procedure will be rescheduled if this guideline is not followed.
- Arrival and Accompaniment: A parent or responsible adult should accompany you to the office and remain with you for the day.
- Procedure Duration: The surgery typically lasts 30-60 minutes, with a total office visit time of about 90 minutes.
- Comfort and Safety: We use advanced sterilization and infection control techniques to promote rapid healing and minimize discomfort.
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.
- IV and Local Anesthesia: If sedated, an IV will be placed in your arm for optimal medication delivery, followed by local anesthesia for post-operative comfort.
- Medication: Pain and swelling will be managed with prescribed medications, which can be filled in advance.
- Stitches and Swelling: Dissolvable stitches will typically resolve within 3-5 days. Swelling and a sensation of gums pulling away from your teeth are normal and temporary.
- Pain Management: Start with non-narcotic medications like ibuprofen. If necessary, use prescribed pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the next day.
- Diet: Begin with clear liquids (e.g., jello, broths) and gradually move to more substantial foods. Avoid dairy products on the day of surgery to prevent nausea.
- Antibiotics and Birth Control: Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; take additional precautions if necessary.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable experience during your wisdom teeth removal.
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, the 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.
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 at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northern Arizona Phone Number 928-773-2530 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
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 complication.
Call Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northern Arizona Phone Number 928-773-2530 to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation.
To read more about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth