Welcome to Legacy Surgery, where we prioritize your comfort and care during wisdom tooth removal. Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive techniques to ensure a smooth and pain-free experience.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in your mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 to 25, but they can emerge earlier or later. Some people have all four wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer or none at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
In many cases, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to fully erupt in the mouth, causing them to become impacted (unable to emerge into the proper position). Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various problems such as:
- Pain and discomfort: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause pain, discomfort, and swelling in the surrounding gums and deep periodontal pockets.
- Infection: If bacteria gets trapped around impacted wisdom teeth, it can lead to infection and inflammation.
- Damage to nearby teeth: Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing them to shift or become damaged.
- Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to the development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone.
Even if wisdom teeth erupt into the proper position, they are usually very difficult to clean. It is usually recommended to have them removed to improve the overall health of the mouth and to prevent future issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed
The only way to know for sure if your wisdom teeth need to be removed is to have an oral surgeon evaluate them by taking a Panoramic X-ray or 3D CT scan. Not all problems related to wisdom teeth are painful or visible. Damage can occur without you being aware of it.
Here are some signs that may indicate the need for wisdom tooth removal:
- Pain and discomfort: If you experience pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected.
- Swelling and redness: Inflamed or swollen gums around the wisdom teeth can be a sign of infection.
- Difficulty opening your mouth: If you have trouble opening your mouth fully, it could be due to an impacted wisdom tooth causing pressure on the surrounding tissues.
- Difficulty chewing: Wisdom teeth that are growing at an angle can interfere with proper chewing and cause discomfort while eating.
- Crowding: If your teeth are starting to become crowded or have shifted, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are pushing against them.
Despite the considerable concern regarding impacted wisdom teeth, recent studies found that third molars that have broken through the tissue and erupted into the mouth, in a normal, upright position, may be just as prone to disease as those third molars that remain impacted.
No one can predict when wisdom teeth complications will happen, but when they do, wisdom teeth pain can be more severe and difficult to treat, thus complicating surgery. This is why a comprehensive consultation with a surgeon who specializes in wisdom teeth extraction and tooth removal is essential.
Talk to a treatment coordinator
(540) 437-1230
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Before your wisdom tooth removal surgery, Dr. Kesecker will conduct a thorough examination to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Using advanced diagnostic tools, we can assess the position of your wisdom teeth, evaluate the surrounding gum tissue, and identify any potential complications of wisdom tooth extraction.
This ensures a more accurate and efficient removal of wisdom teeth, minimizing the risk of complications during the surgical procedure.
Sedation Options
To make your surgery more comfortable, we offer several types of anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia – Directly applied to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
- Nitrous oxide – Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and provides a feeling of relaxation and comfort during the procedure.
- IV sedation – Administered intravenously to help you relax during the procedure.
- General anesthesia – Used for more complex cases, rendering the patient completely unconscious.
Dr. Kesecker is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, ensuring safe administration of all types of anesthesia.
Surgery Details
The procedure typically takes around 45 minutes total depending on the complexity of the case. Your surgery may take longer if your wisdom teeth are impacted or if you are having multiple extractions at once.
After the local anesthesia and sedation have been administered, Dr. Kesecker will make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. If necessary, he may also need to remove some bone tissue to fully extract the tooth.
The tooth is usually removed in one piece, but sometimes it may be divided into sections to limit the risk of damaging the underlying nerves. After removal, dissolvable stitches and gauze will be placed to promote healing.
Post-Operative Care
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help manage symptoms and avoid complications. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
First 24 Hours:
- Apply an ice pack on the operated area, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
- Remove all gauze packs 20 to 30 minutes after leaving the office or upon arriving home. If the bleeding continues, place another sterile gauze pack on the surgical area and bite down firmly.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Avoid strenuous activities to keep blood pressure stable.
- Eat soft foods like jello, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Carefully brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical areas. Do not rinse for at least 6 hours following surgery.
- Do not smoke tobacco or marijuana, vape or use a straw. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot leading to a dry socket. Smoking in any form increases your chance of infection and will delay healing.
Day 2-4:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after every meal.
- Stick to a diet of soft food and avoid spicy foods, sticky foods, and liquid foods that could irritate the tooth socket.
- Continue with regular oral hygiene practices.
Day 5:
- Use the syringe provided to irrigate the lower sockets 2-3 times a day with warm salt water. Do this until the holes are completely closed.
Signs of Infection and Other Complications
Here are some things to watch out for that might indicate infection.
- Severe pain that persists even after taking prescription pain medication.
- Bad breath or a bad odor coming from the extraction site.
- Facial swelling that doesn’t subside.
- A bad taste in your mouth or visible pus, can indicate an infection.
- Nerve pain or any unusual sensations.
If any of these symptoms arise, contact our office immediately.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction can vary but generally follows this timeline:
- First few days: Expect swelling and discomfort. Maintain light physical activities and avoid strenuous activities.
- One week: Most patients can return to normal activities.
- Two weeks: Full recovery with the resumption of more intense physical activities.
Patient Success Story
What Our Patients Say
Why Choose Legacy Surgery?
Less pain and swelling, speedy and comfortable recovery
- Experienced Surgeon: Our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, has years of expertise in wisdom tooth extraction. He completed specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Denver Health Medical Center and the University of Colorado in Denver, CO.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest equipment to improve precision and reduce recovery time. We have a cone beam CT scan, CO2 laser, and Trios digital scanning and impressions. We depend on Virtual Surgical Planning, a computer technology, to simulate and prepare for surgical procedures before they are carried out. This allows Dr. Kesecker to perform the surgeries with more precision and accuracy.
- Patient-Centric Care: From your first consultation to post-operative follow-up, we are committed to your well-being. We will make sure you feel comfortable before your surgery and will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so that you have a speedy and comfortable recovery.
Trust Legacy Surgery for Your Wisdom Tooth Removal
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your wisdom teeth removal procedure, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
Dr. Kesecker’s extensive experience in oral surgery, combined with our state-of-the-art technology and patient-centric approach, ensures the highest standards of care.
From the initial assessment to guidance on post-operative recovery, we prioritize your comfort and health at every step of the way.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location. If you are searching for an ‘oral surgeon near me’ or ‘wisdom teeth removal near me’, we can help. Call our treatment coordinator to book an appointment today!
FAQ
When is the best time to have wisdom teeth removed?
It is common for wisdom teeth extraction to be performed in the late teens to early twenties. The best time to have wisdom teeth removed is when the roots are ½ to ⅔ developed, and the only way to know this is with an X-ray examination. Wisdom teeth can cause problems at any age after the teenage years. However, the risk of complications or a dental emergency with teeth extraction goes up the older you get.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The surgery itself is mostly painless. With IV sedation you’ll be relaxed, comfortable, and unaware of the passing time. In addition to sedation, local anesthetics numb the mouth to anything that could be painful.
What happens if the blood clot comes out?
If the blood clot comes out, it can lead to a condition called dry socket. This can cause severe pain and delay the healing process. If you notice that the blood clot has come out, contact our office immediately for further instructions on how to manage it.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal can differ based on the complexity of the surgery and the types of anesthesia used. We provide transparent and upfront pricing, so there are no surprises.