Wisdom Teeth - Issaquah, WA

Are Your Wisdom Teeth Becoming a Problem?

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Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge (or “erupt,” as dentists term it) from the gums. This usually occurs between the ages of 17 and 21. Notorious for not erupting when and as they should, wisdom teeth frequently grow at odd angles and become stuck (or “impacted”) below the surface of your gums, possibly causing complications. Even if you can’t see your wisdom teeth below the gums, that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing harm below the surface. These teeth can sometimes grow at an angle, with the potential to harm neighboring molars or cause structural damage to your jaw. The area may also develop a cyst or an infection that is harmful to your bone matter, your gum tissue and your other teeth. It’s important to watch for the signs of impacted wisdom teeth and get evaluated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as soon as symptoms arise.

Oral surgeons are the experts in wisdom teeth removal. Not only are they trained in performing surgical tooth extractions, they can also provide complex facial trauma treatments, jaw surgery and facial reconstructions. As a result, oral surgeons like Dr. Dhaliwal are the “go-to” specialists for wisdom teeth extractions, whether they’re simple or complex. If you or your teen is experiencing pain, swelling or redness around the molars, we encourage you to reserve an evaluation of your wisdom teeth in Issaquah, WA at the Adara Surgical Institute.

Not only are they trained in performing surgical tooth extractions, they can also provide complex facial trauma treatments, jaw surgery and facial reconstructions.

exam room at adara

Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

Early evaluation and treatment are critical for a superior outcome in wisdom teeth extraction. Patients are generally first evaluated in their mid-teenage years by their dentist or orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With oral examinations and X-rays, Dr. Dhaliwal can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth, and predict any present or potential future problems. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort, and our doctors are trained, licensed and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for all our patients.

wisdom tooth graphic

Signs of Problems in Wisdom Teeth

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

Most people grow 32 permanent adult teeth, including three sets of molars, but in many cases, a person’s jaws are too small for the third molars. When inadequate space prevents these teeth from erupting, they are called impacted wisdom teeth. These teeth can be impacted in a variety of ways:
This type of impaction occurs when the upper portion (crown) of the tooth has penetrated through the bone, but the gingiva (gum) has not positioned properly around the tooth, covering part or all of the tooth’s crown.
With partial bony impaction, there is enough gum space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, leading to cleaning problems and jaw pain.
In cases of complete bony impaction, there is no room for the wisdom tooth to erupt, so it remains embedded in the jawbone. Even if it’s partially visible, it 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 makes the removal of the tooth even more complex.

What If I Don’t Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The older you get, the longer the roots of your wisdom teeth get, and the denser the bone in your jaw becomes. It is therefore much easier to treat any wisdom teeth complications with younger patients. If you’re in your 30s, 40s or beyond and you need your wisdom teeth removed, there is a higher rate of postsurgical complications, and your recovery time can be prolonged. If your impacted wisdom teeth aren’t removed early and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as the formation of a cyst or localized gum disease) develops. In general, you’ll have a much easier time if you have your wisdom teeth removed in your teens or early 20s.

What Happens When I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

We understand that wisdom teeth extraction may be the first surgical procedure many of our patients have ever been through. Therefore, we do everything we can to make you feel at ease, from anesthesia services to a welcoming, friendly environment. Before we design a course of action, we take detailed 3D scans of your mouth to determine the exact location and angle of your wisdom teeth. Using this imaging, we precisely plan your treatment so that when the day of surgery comes, treatment will be minimally invasive. All our services are provided in an environment of safety, using modern equipment and a well-trained surgical staff. Our surgical care team, office facilities and doctors are inspected regularly by the Board of Dental Examiners.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize any postoperative pain and swelling. For this reason, we ask that a parent or responsible adult accompany you to the office and be available to stay with you for the rest of the day. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can expect to be in our office for about 90 minutes. We use state-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques at all times, and we perform all oral surgery in a manner that promotes rapid healing and reduces your postoperative discomfort.

On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it’s essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for a minimum of six hours before your procedure. This does not mean you should try to fit in a “last meal” exactly six hours before your check-in time. Having anything in your stomach can increase your risk for serious complications with anesthesia, including nausea and vomiting. If you don’t follow these guidelines, your procedure may have to be rescheduled. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which you can have filled ahead of time at your convenience. While you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you’re going to be sedated, we will usually place an IV line in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless way to ensure optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given afterward to ensure comfort and allow you to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for most of the day.

Don’t Hesitate to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Examined.

Schedule your consultation in Issaquah, WA today.

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