At Southern Surgical Arts in Tyler, TX, and Palestine, TX, our oral surgeons are experts in the removal of wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the very last set of teeth to grow into the mouth. They usually start developing during the early teen years and finish coming in behind your existing molars when you are 17–25 years old. The majority of people’s mouths are too small to support these additional molars, which is why a majority of people must have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent discomfort, dental crowding, and other complications.
Most people develop four wisdom teeth — one in each corner of the upper and lower jaws — but it is not uncommon to have fewer or more than four. If you need wisdom teeth removed, Drs. Stone, Stone, and Barker have years of experience extracting teeth. Our state-of-the-art surgical center is equipped with the latest in diagnostic and surgical tools, allowing our staff to plan and execute your procedure safely and efficiently.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Most people do not have enough room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth to grow in. As a result, they can become trapped beneath the gums, which creates pockets where harmful bacteria can grow. Below are a few of the issues wisdom teeth can cause when they go untreated:
- Dental shifting
- Impaction
- Crowding and damage to adjacent teeth
- Infections
- Cysts and tumors
If your wisdom teeth grow in without issue, an oral surgeon may not need to remove them. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can become unhealthy or cause dental problems well before they ever emerge from the gums. Regular dental exams throughout adolescence and early adulthood are the best way to ensure that your wisdom teeth are growing in correctly.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a very common oral surgery procedure. Before removing wisdom teeth, we will complete a comprehensive consultation appointment, at which your surgeon will have a chance to review your condition and form the best plan for extraction. If you have any questions about your procedure, anesthesia options, or recovery, this appointment is a great chance to discuss them with your surgeon.
Your next appointment will be the removal procedure. You will likely need a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment, as most patients choose to undergo IV anesthesia and cannot drive for 24 hours after the surgery. First, your surgeon will administer your agreed-upon anesthesia. Next, if removing an impacted tooth, a small amount of gum tissue and bone will be lifted to make a path for extraction. Your oral surgeon will then remove the tooth and suture the surgical site so it can heal. Sometimes your tooth may be broken into smaller pieces before being removed, which makes it easier to remove a larger tooth with a smaller surgical site. After removing all of your wisdom teeth, you rest until you wake up from anesthesia, and your driver will bring you home.
Before your surgery, we will provide you with comprehensive care instructions to follow for optimal recovery. Typically, most patients must adhere to a soft diet for a couple of days before returning to their regular schedules. If you have any questions about your upcoming wisdom teeth removal procedure or your recovery, feel free to contact our office for more information.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Southern Surgical Arts
Our oral surgeons, Dr. Charles Stone, Dr. Brian Stone, and Dr. Wade Barker, specialize in the removal of wisdom teeth. To schedule your wisdom teeth consultation appointment, give one of our offices a call. One of our staff members will be happy to help you schedule your initial consultation.
Bank Stem Cells with Stemodontics®
Did you know that your wisdom teeth can benefit you after they’re removed? These teeth contain many stem cells, which can be stored in a laboratory and used to differentiate into different types of cells in the body during future health crises. When you bank stem cells with Stemodontics, you are given peace of mind when it comes to your or your child’s health. Schedule an appointment today to discuss stem cell banking with your oral surgeon and learn about investing in your future.