Wisdom Tooth Removal Durham, NC
It is important for patients (teens and young adults especially) to periodically receive a thorough evaluation of wisdom tooth (third molar) development to be able to be advised of options regarding surgical removal versus continued monitoring. Sometimes 3D imaging is needed to determine the tooth’s relationship with adjacent anatomy, such as the inferior alveolar nerve or the sinuses. We would be happy to help you determine what treatment option is best for you. Dr. Matt served as an Exodontist in the U.S. Navy where he worked along side some of the Navy’s best oral surgeons, allowing him to receive exceptional training in the management of third molar extractions and their complications.
FAQs
We strongly align our views with AAOMS and use our experience and technology to help you make choices that are right for you. Usually the risks associated with leaving a malpositioned third molar are much greater than the risks associated with its removal.
Ultimately you will have to decide what is right for you.
Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
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What are the risks associated with leaving my wisdom teeth?
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Common problems include pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth (decay), bone loss around important adjacent teeth (teeth needed for chewing food), and waiting too long can allow roots to fully develop around important anatomy (increasing the risk of nerve damage if extraction is determined to be needed in the future)
What can I do today to make an effort to avoid future issues with my wisdom teeth?
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Get scheduled for a Third Molar Evaluation. A recent panoramic image will be needed to begin the process.
Is it painful to get my wisdom tooth removed?
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For patients that are suitable for office based IV sedation, the most painful part of the procedure will usually be getting the IV (angiocatheter) in place.
For patients who choose to get Exparel, the pain is usually minimal post operatively. Other variables include surgical difficulty and time spent at each extraction site, usually a more difficult extraction site will have increased post operative pain when compared to an easier extraction site. Difficulty can usually be directly correlated to time spent at the site. Early evaluation gives you the best opportunity to have the teeth extracted when the roots are partially developed. Extractions preformed at the most opportune time will be quick and most likely to have minimal post operative pain.
What is the pain like after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
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For patients who are anxious about the procedure we offer several different sedation options. IV sedation is not indicated for everyone, however IV sedation (moderate sedation) is commonly requested for this procedure.
Should I get IV sedation for Wisdom tooth Extraction?
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For patients who choose to get Exparel, the pain is usually blocked for 2-3 days. Maximum swelling is expected around 2-3 days post operatively. Reusable ice packs and jaw bra will be useful during this time, and should be used periodically (20 min on and 20 min off for first 48hrs). NSAIDs and Tylenol are commonly recommended and prescribed for patients that can take these medications. Day 4 and 5 patients usually begin to feel better and begin normal activities, patients are expected to avoid vigorous activity for the first week.
What can I expect during the recovery period after wisdom tooth extraction?
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A dry socket also known as (Alveolar Osteitis) is a common post operative complication. Smoking, or any other activity that creates suction with the mouth (spitting, vaping, using a straw, swishing) can increase your risk of this occurring. When the blood clot protecting the exposed bone and sometimes exposed nerves is disturbed, a dull throbbing pain from a dry socket can occur.
I think this is occurring, what do I do now? Call the office, we are available 24/7 for dental emergencies (patients of record only).
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What is a dry socket?
There are several risks to consider when getting wisdom teeth extracted, pain, discomfort, and swelling are common. A dry socket is considered rare but is more common than a post operative infection. Sometimes food impaction can be perceived as a dry socket or post operative infection. Post operative infections range from minor to severe, and require an expedited evaluation when suspected. Common symptoms of infection include return of pain and swelling to an extraction site after it seemed like it was healing, a bad taste, a bad smell, or puss drainage from an extraction site. Nerve damage or loss of sensation is a very rare but possible side effect due to the proximity of nerves to the surgical site.
What other Post Op complications can occur?
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There are several factors to consider. Your insurance may cover part or all of the procedure, a pre verification process which is completed after an evaluation can clarify exactly how much we can expect your costs to be. Some patients do not have 4 wisdom teeth that need to be extracted, and some patients have more than 4 wisdom teeth (supernumerary teeth) that need to be extracted. Costs can vary quite a bit, please schedule an evaluation to get an accurate treatment plan quoted.
What is the cost of wisdom tooth removal?
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This is a very common concern. As one might imagine, anything that needs to be chewed will be avoided for the first few days. We ask our patients to also avoid nuts, seeds, grains, rice, acidic foods/ beverages, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, chips, hard foods, and crunchy foods.
What can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?
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Do you offer emergency wisdom tooth extraction services?
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For patients that wait for pain and/ or infection to urge them to be seen, we address the patient’s chief complaint as soon as possible. Many times we able to triage and treat within the same business day (M-Th).
If you feel like swelling from a tooth has altered your ability to breath or swallow, (call 911) or seek emergency services at your closest emergency room as soon as possible.
