Wisdom Teeth Removal in Fulton, MD

Between the ages of 17 and 21, many people develop a set of molars known as wisdom teeth. In most cases, wisdom teeth should be extracted as soon as possible to prevent a number of oral health conditions from occurring. At Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, we regularly perform wisdom tooth extractions in the comfort of our Fulton office, which is located between Baltimore and Washington. If you live in Fulton, MD, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons who will design a custom treatment plan for your oral health needs.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, grow in the back of the mouth. However, you already have second molars that grind and chew food, making an additional set of molars unnecessary for oral function. Most adults do not have room for extra molars, which can become problematic when these large teeth try to squeeze in.

As they try to make room for themselves, wisdom teeth can push against and damage adjacent teeth. This can cause your other teeth to fall out of alignment and result in bite problems, pain, or pressure in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean, increasing the risk of infection and cavities. If left untreated, wisdom teeth become more firmly embedded in the jaw bone and can damage facial structures, nerves, and the roots of other teeth. Undergoing wisdom tooth removal prevents these issues from having the chance to arise.

We recommend having third molars extracted during the late teens or early twenties, but adults of any age can undergo wisdom teeth removal. Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing issues now, having them removed prevents the possibility of future complications and promotes better long-term oral health.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that have become fully or partially stuck beneath the gums. Impacted teeth grow at odd angles, sometimes growing sideways, and can put additional pressure on your second molars. Without a clear path to erupt, impacted wisdom teeth pose a significant risk to your oral health.

Partially impacted teeth are somewhat visible above the gums and easily trap food and bacteria, which can lead to cavities, cysts, tumors, gum disease, and tooth decay. Fully impacted wisdom teeth are not visible in the mouth and are completely stuck beneath the gums. When a tooth is either partially or fully impacted, it cannot erupt on its own and surgical removal is necessary.

Signs & Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause pain or pressure in the back of the mouth, which raises the alarm to many people that it may be time to have them removed. However, wisdom teeth do not always cause pain or noticeable symptoms. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or not, you may still have wisdom teeth developing. At dental appointments, your dentist checks for wisdom teeth and will refer you to an oral surgeon to have them removed. It's important to see your dentist regularly so we can treat wisdom teeth early and prevent complications.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth extracted:

• Swelling of the gums
• Bleeding or tender gums
• Difficulty fully opening the mouth
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Chronic bad breath
• You can see a wisdom tooth poking through the gums

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Your surgeon will create your custom treatment plan during your first visit. We will take 3d scans of your mouth, go over the steps of your procedure, and discuss your anesthesia options. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we are qualified to administer all types, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, laughing gas, and general anesthesia.

During the procedure, your surgeon will use forceps to extract wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gums. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access impacted teeth and may break them into smaller pieces to make removal easier. After the wisdom teeth have been removed, we will place sutures as necessary and your procedure is complete. Most patients undergo IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal, in which case you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure.

We will provide you with post-operative instructions to guide you through recovery. They will explain how to clean your surgical sites, types of soft foods to enjoy, how to manage discomfort with pain medication, and more. Follow these instructions closely to ensure a speedy recovery and contact us if you have any questions.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Fulton, MD

At Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, we make the oral and maxillofacial surgery process a comfortable and positive experience for our patients and their families. To find out if it's time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth removed, contact our office in Fulton, MD, to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons.