Wisdom Teeth Removal in Clayton, NC

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the human mouth. These teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, one on each side at the top and bottom. Although their eruption is a normal occurrence, the presence of wisdom teeth can often lead to various oral problems and complications, requiring their removal in many cases.

Board-certified oral surgeons Dr. Hoverstad, Dr. Camp, Dr. Milewski, and Dr. Marrazzo specialize in wisdom teeth removal in Clayton, NC. At Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we are committed to providing exceptional care for every patient. To schedule a consultation, please contact us in Clayton, NC.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

While some people experience no issues with wisdom teeth, they commonly cause a range of oral health issues. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, growing at an angle or getting stuck beneath the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth require surgical removal, as they cannot naturally erupt. Extracting these troublesome teeth can prevent damage to adjacent teeth, cysts, inflamed gum tissue, infection, gum disease, crowding, pain, and swelling.

Determining when to have your wisdom teeth removed depends on factors such as size and location. While there's no specific age for wisdom teeth removal, it's generally recommended during the early to mid teenage years, since younger patients tend to recover faster from the procedure and the wisdom teeth are not fully developed at this age. However, wisdom teeth removal can be performed by our oral surgeons for adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Sign & Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth

• Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth: Wisdom teeth often cause pain or discomfort as they try to erupt through the gums. This can be a dull ache or a sharp, intense pain.
• Swollen or red gums: The gums around the wisdom teeth may become swollen, tender, or red. This is usually a sign of inflammation or infection.
• Jaw stiffness or difficulty in opening your mouth: Wisdom teeth that are impacted or growing at an angle can put pressure on the surrounding structures, leading to jaw stiffness or difficulty in fully opening your mouth.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth: When wisdom teeth are partially erupted or trapped beneath the gums, they can create pockets where food particles and bacteria can get trapped, causing bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.
• Crowding or shifting of other teeth: As wisdom teeth try to erupt, they can push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding or shifting in the rest of your teeth. This can affect your smile and bite alignment.
• Sinus pain or pressure: Upper wisdom teeth that are positioned close to the sinuses can sometimes cause sinus pain or pressure, especially if they are infected or impacted.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon at Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. Dr. Hoverstad, Dr. Camp, Dr. Milewski, and Dr. Marrazzo are experienced oral surgeons who can evaluate your wisdom teeth and create a treatment plan to restore your oral health.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery

Any treatment at our practice begins with a consultation. During this appointment, you will meet with one of our experienced oral surgeons, who will evaluate your mouth and take 3D scans to determine the size and location of your wisdom teeth. They will also discuss the treatment options available to you and answer any questions you may have.

During the wisdom teeth removal surgery, you will be under anesthesia. The type of anesthesia chosen will depend on your individual needs and the recommendation of the oral surgeon. Our oral surgeons are all qualified to safely administer different types of anesthesia for your comfort.

If your wisdom teeth have become impacted, which means they are growing at an angle or stuck beneath your gums, surgical removal is necessary. This is because impacted wisdom teeth cannot naturally erupt. The oral surgeon will perform a gum tissue incision to access the impacted tooth. Depending on the visibility and position of the tooth, it may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Sutures will be used to close the incision after removal.

For erupted wisdom teeth, forceps are used to extract them. This process is simpler and does not typically require an incision. However, it is still important to have a skilled oral surgeon perform the procedure to ensure a successful extraction.

After your surgery, it is important to follow post-operative instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery. Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.