Are your wisdom teeth causing pain, swelling, or discomfort as they grow? Many people experience problems with these late-arriving molars, which often lack the space to emerge correctly or become impacted. While it may sound frightening, wisdom teeth removal is a standard and safe dental procedure to alleviate your pain and protect your long-term dental health.
At Drs. Chin and Pharar Dentistry, we provide comprehensive wisdom teeth removal services focusing on patient comfort and excellent outcomes. Our team specializes in resolving the unique challenges of wisdom teeth extraction, including cases involving high anxiety, medical complexities, and patients undergoing cancer treatment. We offer various sedation solutions to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to grow in your mouth. They typically appear between 17 and 25, when most people become “wiser” – hence their name. In general, most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. Unlike your other teeth, wisdom teeth often lack the room to emerge appropriately or develop normally. According to the American Society of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry, about 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed due to positioning problems or potential future issues.
When wisdom teeth don’t have sufficient space to grow, they can become impacted, meaning they remain trapped within your jaw or under your gums. This can lead to various problems, including:
Pain and discomfort
Damage to adjacent teeth
Development of cysts or tumors
Higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Crowding of other teeth
These problems can develop gradually or appear suddenly, often causing significant discomfort when they do emerge.
Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, your dentist may recommend their removal for preventive reasons. Here are some situations in which wisdom teeth removal may be necessary:
Preventing Future Problems
Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent potential future complications. As we age, the roots of our wisdom teeth become more fully formed, and the jawbone thickens. This makes extraction more difficult and recovery more complicated. Removing your wisdom teeth earlier can lead to easier recovery and fewer complications.
Eliminating Current Issues
If your wisdom teeth are already causing problems, removal can provide immediate relief from:
Pain and swelling in the back of your mouth
Infections and gum disease
Damage to neighboring teeth
Difficulty opening your mouth
Bad breath and unpleasant taste from infection
These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life and may worsen if left untreated. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, please contact us to schedule an appointment to determine if the removal of your wisdom teeth is the best choice for your dental health.
Protecting Your Dental Investment
If you’ve had orthodontic work to straighten your teeth, erupting wisdom teeth can potentially undo this progress by causing your teeth to shift and become crowded again. Removing your wisdom teeth can help protect the time and money invested in your smile.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
Because many people suffer from dental anxiety, understanding the wisdom teeth extraction process can help ease your worries about the procedure. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your wisdom teeth removal:
Before Surgery
Before your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll likely have a consultation. During this appointment:
Your dentist will assess your mouth and take digital images to determine the position of your wisdom teeth
You’ll discuss your medical history and any medications you take
Your dentist will explain anesthesia options and help you choose what’s best for you
You’ll receive instructions about food and drink restrictions before surgery
This consultation is a key opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you may have about the procedure.
During Surgery
The wisdom teeth removal procedure typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, but can fluctuate based on the complexity of your situation. Your surgery will likely include the following steps:
Administration of anesthesia (local, sedation, or general)
Making an incision in the gum tissue if the tooth is impacted
Removing the tooth, sometimes in sections, to minimize bone loss
Cleaning the site and placing stitches if necessary
Placing gauze over the extraction sites to control bleeding
Throughout the procedure, your comfort and well-being remain our top priorities.
After Surgery
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal usually takes a few days. To speed up healing, we recommend you follow some aftercare tips, including:
Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
Take prescribed medications as directed
Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
Eat soft foods and avoid using straws
Gently rinse your mouth with salt water after 24 hours
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Following these guidelines can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications such as a dry socket. If you notice severe pain, bleeding, fever, or signs of infection, please contact us immediately for treatment to ensure the most successful healing possible after your wisdom teeth removal.
Get Expert Care for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal at Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry
At Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry, we provide community-based, empathetic dental care for all our patients. Our team is highly educated in providing expert, efficient wisdom teeth extractions with minimal discomfort and recovery time. We understand the complexities of wisdom teeth removal and take a personalized approach to each patient’s unique situation, including those with medical complexities or special needs.
Our practice is known for providing outstanding care to high-anxiety patients and those undergoing cancer treatment. We take the time to understand your concerns and create a treatment plan unique to your specific needs. To learn more about our wisdom teeth removal services or to schedule a consultation, call us at (702) 445-7075 or visit our contact form.
Frequently Asked Question about Wisdom Teeth Removal in Las Vegas, NV
What are impacted wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when these molars don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This can cause pain, swelling, and damage to nearby teeth. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to infections or cysts. It is often recommended that these teeth be removed by an oral surgeon to prevent further complications. In some cases, pain medication may be necessary to manage discomfort after the surgical procedure.
How many wisdom teeth do most people have, and is removal necessary for everyone?
Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. However, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If these teeth grow in properly without causing pain, crowding, or infection, removal may not be necessary. However, many people will eventually need them removed due to complications such as impacted wisdom teeth or damage to neighboring teeth. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate whether removal is necessary.
What should I expect from the wisdom teeth removal surgical procedure?
During the surgical procedure for wisdom teeth removal, your oral surgeon will make incisions in the gums to access the impacted teeth. Depending on your case, the teeth may be removed in sections. The area will be numbed with anesthesia, and sedation options are available for added comfort. After the surgery, pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort. It’s important to follow the post-surgery instructions to avoid complications like dry socket or infection.
How long does recovery take after having wisdom teeth removed?
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal typically takes a few days. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It’s important to rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, and follow all aftercare instructions, such as eating soft foods and avoiding smoking. If you notice unusual pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact your oral surgeon immediately to ensure proper healing.
Why should I choose an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal?
An oral surgeon, specifically an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, has specialized training in performing complex extractions like impacted wisdom teeth removal. Their expertise ensures that the surgical procedure is done safely and efficiently, minimizing potential risks and complications. Whether you’re dealing with an impacted tooth, infection, or high anxiety, an oral surgeon can provide the best care. They will ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the process, offering sedation options and personalized care.
