Most wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In most cases, there isn’t enough room in the mouth to accommodate four extra molars. Because of this, many dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as they begin to develop. Dr. Brown extracts wisdom teeth in the comfort of our office in Slidell, LA. If you or your child have third molars, contact Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery today. We will examine your oral health and create a custom treatment plan for your wisdom teeth removal.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to grow in. The average adult mouth does not have room for an additional set of molars, which can become problematic when wisdom teeth try to squeeze in. These large molars can grow sideways, push against other teeth, or become trapped under the gums, known as impaction.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth are those that have partially erupted through the gums, while fully impacted wisdom teeth are fully stuck beneath the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection, cysts, tumors, jaw pain, damage to adjacent molars, and more. Because impacted third molars will not erupt naturally, they must be surgically removed.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Ongoing bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
- Visibly seeing a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
Some wisdom teeth do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, all wisdom teeth should be evaluated by a dental professional. Even if a wisdom tooth is not causing pain, it can still lead to oral health problems and may require extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
When you come in for your initial appointment, Dr. Brown will complete a thorough oral examination, take additional 3D scans if necessary, and create a custom plan for you or your child. We will also talk about your anesthesia options and select the right choice for your procedure.
A wisdom tooth that has completely erupted from the gums can be extracted just like a regular tooth. To extract an impacted wisdom tooth, Dr. Brown will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Large teeth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. After the wisdom teeth have been extracted, we will place sutures as necessary. You will rest in our office until the anesthesia has worn off and you are ready to go home.
Anesthesia for Wisdom Teeth Removal
- IV sedation. Intravenous (IV) sedation is the most common anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal, allowing your child to sleep comfortably during the procedure.
- Local anesthesia. A numbing of the surgical site, allowing the patient to remain completely awake. It is more commonly used in dental procedures, such as fillings.
- Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas). This is used to help the patient feel relaxed and is often used along with local anesthesia or IV anesthesia.
- General anesthesia. Reserved for more complex procedures, general anesthesia renders you totally unconscious and is administered in a hospital or surgery center.
We encourage you to review our Anesthesia Options page for more information.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Slidell, LA
- The number of wisdom teeth you need removed
- Your dental/medical insurance coverage
- Your choice of anesthesia
- The overall complexity of the procedure
To find out how much your wisdom teeth removal will cost, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our team is happy to answer any questions and walk you through all of your payment and financing options.
Stem Cell Banking in Slidell & Mandeville, LA
Do you want to benefit from your child’s teeth long after they are removed? If you participate in stem cell banking, by storing their wisdom teeth for future transplantation, you can have peace of mind about future health issues. Ask your oral surgeon to walk you through the process of banking stem cells today!
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Slidell, LA
If your child has been recommended for wisdom teeth extractions in Slidell, LA, we encourage you to contact our office. Dr. Brown will be happy to speak with you and your child and create a custom treatment plan. We look forward to caring for you and your loved ones at Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to remove wisdom teeth?
We make every effort to ensure your comfort during oral surgery. We offer anesthesia and sedation so you can rest comfortably during the procedure and will provide you with instructions on how to minimize post-surgical discomfort. Some degree of pain can be expected with any type of procedure, but you can manage any discomfort after wisdom teeth removal with over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs, and rest.
How long is wisdom teeth recovery?
It can take up to 2 weeks for the surgical sites to fully heal after wisdom teeth removal. However, many patients return to work or school the day after the procedure or the following day. Your recovery time will depend on your body’s healing abilities and the extent of your procedure. Be sure to take the time you need to rest and follow your post-operative instructions closely to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Should I get all of my wisdom teeth removed?
You should have all of your wisdom teeth extracted at the same time to prevent them from causing future complications. Even if a wisdom tooth is not causing problems now, having all of these molars extracted at the same time eliminates the need to undergo additional procedures in the future and protects your oral health.
How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth?
It generally takes about one hour to extract four wisdom teeth. This time will vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth you have and how many of them are impacted. We will walk you through the steps of your specific procedure beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.