Wisdom Teeth Removal in Laurel, MD
We Perform Wisdom Tooth Extractions Safely & Comfortably
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, can become problematic if they are not treated by a skilled surgical expert. At Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, we extract wisdom teeth in the comfort of our office to protect your oral health from the many issues that wisdom teeth can cause if left untreated. Our oral surgeons offer many types of anesthesia to ensure you or your child has a calm, comfortable, and positive surgical experience. Our office in Laurel is midway between Washington and Baltimore, and if you or your child need wisdom teeth removed, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, often making an appearance between the ages of 17 and 21. Many people associate wisdom teeth with the onset of pain in the back of the mouth, but not all wisdom teeth cause noticeable symptoms. Wisdom teeth may cause issues that take longer to identify, like damage to other teeth roots or dental shifting. Many people have their wisdom teeth extracted because they're causing discomfort, but dental experts recommend having asymptomatic wisdom teeth removed as well to prevent the possibility of future issues.
In addition to misalignment or damage to adjacent teeth, wisdom teeth can also cause infections, the formation of cysts or tumors around a tooth, chronic bad breath, or tooth decay. When your mouth isn't big enough to accommodate extra molars, it can become difficult to reach around every tooth with your toothbrush and floss, increasing the risk of cavities or gum disease. Having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible prevents these issues and contributes to your long-term oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Some wisdom teeth do not erupt normally and remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gums. This is known as impaction, and an impacted wisdom tooth must be surgically removed because it cannot erupt on its own. Partially impacted teeth become magnets for food and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and cavities, while fully impacted teeth can damage the jaw bone or adjacent teeth. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to have them evaluated by a dental expert to have them extracted before they cause significant health problems.
Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
Some people have their wisdom teeth removed shortly after they begin feeling pain or pressure in the mouth, and having them extracted will provide immediate relief. It's important to note that wisdom teeth do not always cause pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact us for an evaluation to see if it's time to have your third molars extracted:
- Gum pain or swelling
- Bleeding gums
- Ongoing bad breath
- Swelling around the jaw
- Jaw aches or headaches
- Unpleasant taste when eating
- Seeing the top of a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Your surgeon will take 3d scans of your mouth and discuss your treatment plan in detail during your first visit. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we are qualified to administer many options for anesthesia, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, laughing gas, and general anesthesia. The right choice for you will depend on the complexity of your procedure and your level of anxiety.
During the procedure, your surgeon will use forceps to extract wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gums. To access impacted teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue. Large teeth may be broken into smaller pieces to make extraction easier. Sutures are placed over the extraction sites as needed. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure if you undergo IV sedation.
We will provide you with post-operative instructions to guide you through your recovery. They will inform you on how to brush around your surgical sites, give you examples of soft foods to enjoy, and more. Call our office if you have questions about your recovery and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Types of Anesthesia
There are many types of anesthesia and sedation options available to you.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Laurel, 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 Laurel, MD, to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
The number of wisdom teeth you need to have extracted, your choice of anesthesia, your insurance, and the complexity of your treatment will determine the total cost of wisdom teeth removal. We provide you with a cost estimate during your first visit and will walk you through your payment and financing options. To find out how much your wisdom teeth removal would cost, contact us in Laurel, MD, for a consultation.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
Our team makes every effort to make sure you feel comfortable during treatment. We often use IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal, which will put you in a sleep-like state, unable to feel pain. After the procedure, we may prescribe prescription pain medication, although most patients can manage pain with over-the-counter medications. Following your instructions, we will aid in your comfort during recovery and help you prevent dry socket, which is a painful condition where the forming blood clot within a socket becomes dislodged. Generally, most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure and recovery.
How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
It may take up to 2 weeks for the surgical sites to heal, but you can resume your normal activities much sooner. Many patients return to work or school 1–2 days after the procedure.
How many wisdom teeth can I have taken out at once?
We recommend having all wisdom teeth taken out at the same time. Leaving wisdom teeth in the mouth may cause future complications that could have been avoided by having them all removed at once. In doing so, you also save money and recovery time by not having to undergo multiple surgical procedures.
Committed to Patient Care & Clinical Excellence
As a patient at Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, you can expect to receive the highest level of care from a team centered around your needs. We proudly serve patients of all ages in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan areas and invite you to contact us to schedule your appointment.