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ORAL EXAMINATION FOR EXTRACTION OF WISDOM TEETH

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Riggs 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 another dental professional.We perform all outpatient surgeries under appropriate anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort. Our doctors have extensive training, licenses, and experience in administering various types of anesthesia.

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. Impacted teeth cause cysts to develop as fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jawbone. As these cysts expand, they destroy adjacent jawbone and sometimes teeth. Treating them becomes much more difficult if you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed during your teenage years. Although rare, the delayed removal of wisdom teeth can lead to tumors.

Possible Crowding:

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This condition most noticeably affects the front teeth, especially the lower ones, and commonly occurs 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 doctor, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth:

Insufficient space around the wisdom tooth can cause gum disease, bone loss, or decay in the second molar.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED AS A TEENAGER OR YOUNG ADULT?

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. Removing impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties, or beyond often leads to a prolonged post-operative recovery and a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may take longer, and the risk of infection can increase. If you don’t remove your impacted wisdom teeth during your teenage years or early twenties and they become fully impacted in bone, it may be better 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.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY WISDOM TEETH ARE REMOVED?

Most people choose sedation for their wisdom teeth removal to remain unaware of the experience. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. We perform all outpatient surgery 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 Board of Dental Examiners regularly inspects the Surgical Care Team, office facilities, and doctors.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. We use state-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques at all times.On the day of your surgery, avoid eating or drinking (except prescription meds with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours. Anything in your stomach can increase the risk of anesthetic complications. If you don’t follow these guidelines, we’ll need to reschedule your procedure. We may provide pain medication at your consultation, which you can fill in advance. In the surgical room, we prioritize your comfort and place an IV in your left arm to deliver medication optimally if sedation is necessary. Local anesthesia will follow to ensure comfort as you rest at home. You’ll feel sleepy for most 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 in substance as your body permits.We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. 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.

WHAT DOES WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL COST AND IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

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 doctor 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. Our office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE SURGERY?

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 Partners In Periodontics Phone Number970.669.7300 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.