Removing Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often cause more trouble than they’re worth.

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to many oral health problems, including pain, infection, tooth decay, and damage to adjacent teeth. Ignoring these issues can result in more complex and costly treatments down the line.

At our oral surgery practice, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience wisdom teeth can cause. Our experienced oral surgeons specialize in the safe and efficient removal of wisdom teeth. We offer a comfortable and patient-centered approach, ensuring a smooth recovery process. By choosing to remove your wisdom teeth, you’re investing in your long-term oral health and preventing potential complications.

Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are in the back of the mouth. They typically emerge between ages 17 and 21. Nearly 85 percent of people have their wisdom teeth removed by the time they reach adulthood, because wisdom teeth extraction can improve the overall health and wellness of the mouth by preventing a host of issues.

People who decide not to have their wisdom teeth removed should schedule regular dental appointments to avoid potential wisdom teeth health issues as they get older.

There are many reasons why you should consider a wisdom teeth removal procedure, including:

Infection

Wisdom teeth create hard-to-clean areas in your mouth that are breeding grounds for bacteria. This can lead to painful and potentially serious infections like pericoronitis, which is an infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth.

Sinus Issues

In some cases, the roots of wisdom teeth can extend into the sinuses. This can cause sinus pressure, pain, and congestion, often mistaken for a sinus infection.

Pain

Most people experience pain when their wisdom teeth begin to grow in. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe agony and can interfere with daily activities.

Crowding

Wisdom teeth can put pressure on existing teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned. This can undo the results of orthodontic treatment and affect your bite.

Impaction

When wisdom teeth fail to fully erupt through the gums, they become impacted. Impacted teeth can lead to various complications, including infection, damage to neighboring teeth, and cysts.

Decay

Because wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean, they are more prone to decay. This can spread to adjacent teeth and require extensive dental work.

Periodontal Disease

The bacteria that cause gum disease can thrive around wisdom teeth due to the difficulty of cleaning the area. This can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and other serious oral health issues.

Cysts / Tumors

In rare cases, wisdom teeth can be associated with the development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone. These growths can cause pain, swelling, and damage to surrounding teeth and bone.

What to Expect When Removing Your Wisdom Teeth

The actual procedure to extract wisdom teeth typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, although this may vary based on the degree of impaction, curvature of the roots and any infection present.

You should expect to be in our office for one-and-a-half to two hours, including consultation, the procedure itself and recovery time. Before the procedure, remember to tell your doctor about any prescriptions you take. IV sedation is a popular form of wisdom teeth removal anesthesia because it puts you in a deep sleep during the procedure, during which you will feel nothing. Once you awaken, you will not remember the procedure.

Omaha & Council Bluffs Oral Surgery has registered nurses on staff before, during and after the procedure to ensure that you are well taken care of throughout the entire process. If you have any questions regarding the IV sedation process, visit our IV sedation page or contact us at Omaha: (402) 934-8999 or Council Bluffs: (712) 309-0480 to ask one of our registered nurses, doctors, surgical assistants or supporting staff.

How To Avoid Dry Socket

• Do not touch the wound for any reason other than changing gauze.
• Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after the procedure. We recommend quitting smoking entirely.
• Don’t eat any foods that may leave behind particles — such as popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, etc. — for at least four days.
• Eat only soft foods such as mashed potatoes, ice cream and pudding.
• Avoid carbonated soft drinks.
• Notify your oral surgeon before the wisdom teeth removal of all prescriptions.
• Avoid using a straw or sucking on hard candies for one week after the procedure.
• Do not participate in sports or engage in heavy lifting for five days.
• Do not jog or play musical wind instruments for at least four days.

Whether you have questions about wisdom teeth removal or any other procedure, we’re here to help.

Give us a call at Omaha: (402) 934-8999 or Council Bluffs: (712) 309-0480 where our specialists are happy to help you.