Removing Third Molars
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, these teeth often cause problems due to the limited space in the average adult mouth. For this reason, dentists and oral surgeons commonly recommend wisdom teeth extraction. Removing wisdom teeth before they erupt in the mouth can prevent a variety of oral health issues, including damage to adjacent teeth, inflamed gum tissue, infection, cysts and tumors, and dental crowding.
Dr. Hoverstad, Dr. Camp, Dr. Milewski, and Dr. Marrazzo are board-certified oral surgeons with extensive experience in wisdom teeth removal. Together with their friendly and knowledgeable staff, Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is dedicated to providing exceptional care for their patients. We encourage you to contact us in Raleigh, NC, today to schedule a consultation.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on factors such as their size and location. While some individuals may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, most cases require extraction. The early to mid teens teen years are considered an ideal time for wisdom teeth removal, as younger patients tend to recover faster and it is easier to extract less developed third molars. However, wisdom teeth can be extracted at any age, including adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Your dentist will monitor the growth and development of your wisdom teeth during your regular dental checkups, and can refer to an oral surgeon when the time is right for removal. However, if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of wisdom teeth between appointments, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation.
Sign & Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
When it comes to wisdom teeth, or third molars, many people experience certain symptoms that indicate the need for extraction, such as:
- Pain and Discomfort: One of the most common symptoms of wisdom teeth is pain and discomfort in the back of your mouth. This pain may be sharp and intermittent or constant and throbbing. It can radiate to the jaw, ear, and neck.
- Swollen and Tender Gums: Wisdom teeth that are erupting or impacted can cause your gums to become swollen and tender. You may notice inflammation around the affected area, making it difficult to brush or floss properly.
- Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: If your wisdom teeth are causing overcrowding or misalignment, you may experience difficulty opening your mouth fully. This limitation in jaw movement can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to eat and speak.
- Sinus Problems: Wisdom teeth located in the upper jaw can sometimes put pressure on your sinuses, leading to sinus pain, congestion, and even headaches. These symptoms may be mistaken for a sinus infection, so it's important to consult with an oral surgeon for an accurate diagnosis.
- Bad Breath: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or impacted can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, even after thorough brushing and flossing.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
When you come to our practice, you will first have a consultation with one of our board-certified oral surgeons. They will assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms with you. They will also answer any questions you may have.
On the day of the surgery, anesthesia will be administered before your procedure to ensure your comfort. The type of anesthesia selected will be discussed during your consultation appointment. IV sedation is commonly used for wisdom tooth extraction, as it leaves patients in a sleep-like state with little memory of the procedure. Drifting in and out of sleep may result in limited memory of the procedure.
For erupted wisdom teeth, forceps will be used to extract them. This is a straightforward procedure that can be completed relatively quickly. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted or below the gums, an incision will be made in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Sutures will be placed afterward to promote proper healing.
After the surgery, you will be given recovery instructions to ensure a smooth healing process. This includes caring for the surgical sites, taking prescribed pain medication, and preventing dry socket, which is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged.
Recovery time can vary from person to person, but most patients can resume their normal routines within a few days. Some discomfort is expected after the procedure, but it can be managed with ice packs, rest, and pain medication taken as prescribed by your oral surgeon.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi, my name is Ainsley. I'm from Raleigh, and I came here to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked in, it was very welcoming, and the staff was very nice. The doctors here are very caring and try to make you as comfortable as possible. This procedure was really quick, and the recovery went really well. They were truly caring and wanted me to get better as quickly as possible. My overall experience was smooth sailing. I would highly recommend Raleigh Oral Surgery to all my friends and family in Cary."
"My name is Casey. I live in Raleigh and my wisdom teeth were removed by Dr. Hoverstad. My first impressions when I walked in is that the practice was very professional. Everything was very clean. Dr. Hoverstad, he walked in, he was very professional. He introduced himself. He did a good job of trying to put me at ease. From consult to procedure, to even after procedure care, it's been great. I'm glad I had it done here. Overall, very positive experience with Dr. Hoverstad. I would highly recommend Raleigh Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to any of my friends in Wendell."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
It is recommended to stick to a soft and liquid diet for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. This includes foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Gradually, you can start introducing solid foods back into your diet as your mouth heals. Your oral surgeon will provide you with specific dietary recommendations based on your individual case.
2. What is a dry socket after tooth extraction?
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely. It exposes the underlying bone, causing intense pain and delaying the healing process. To prevent dry socket, it is important to avoid vigorous rinsing, using straws, and smoking after wisdom teeth removal.
3. What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person. It is normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and limited jaw movement for a few days following the procedure. Most patients can return to work or school within a day or two, but it may take about two weeks for the extraction sites to fully heal. During the recovery period, it is important to follow post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon, take prescribed medications as directed, use ice packs to reduce swelling, and avoid strenuous activities.
4. How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?
The length of time it takes to remove wisdom teeth can vary depending on factors such as the position of the teeth, their development stage, and the complexity of the extraction. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. Your oral surgeon will be able to provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating your specific case during a consultation.
Where Greater Raleigh Experiences Oral Surgery Excellence
At Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we are committed to providing exceptional care and achieving outstanding outcomes. With two offices in Raleigh and one in Clayton, our practice is proud to serve the greater Raleigh community. We invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation for oral surgery and see how we can help you enhance your oral health.