Wisdom Teeth Removal in Lutherville, MD
Prevent Problems & Preserve Your Oral Health
Our oral surgery experts regularly extract wisdom teeth for patients of all ages in Lutherville, MD. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop and they are not necessary for oral function, therefore, dental experts recommend having them extracted. By having your wisdom teeth removed, you protect your long-term oral health by preventing a number of complications that these molars can cause. If it's time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth removed, contact Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery today. Our Lutherville office proudly serves patients in Lutherville, Baltimore County, and surrounding areas.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that develop between the ages of 17 and 21. Some people develop all four molars, while others only develop a couple or none at all. You already have second molars in the back of your mouth that chew food and do not require third molars to properly eat or speak.
In addition to being unnecessary for your mouth function, many adults do not have room for extra molars, and as these teeth try to squeeze in, they can cause significant oral health problems like pain, dental shifting, overcrowding, damage to adjacent teeth, infections, and more. Having wisdom teeth removed prevents these issues from occurring and protects your bite, gums, jaw bone, and existing teeth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
A tooth that is blocked from erupting into the dental arch is considered to be impacted. A partially erupted tooth, or one that has somewhat erupted through the gums, easily traps food and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Cysts or tumors can form around the infected tooth, and the infection can lead to chronic bad breath, gum disease, or tooth decay. A fully impacted tooth is completely stuck below the gums and can grow at odd angles—even sideways—and damage other teeth and underlying facial structures. Partially and fully impacted wisdom teeth cannot erupt naturally, making surgical removal necessary.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
Some patients suspect the presence of wisdom teeth because they feel pain or pressure in the back of the mouth. However, wisdom teeth do not always cause noticeable symptoms. At dental exams, your dentist will check for wisdom teeth and refer you to an oral surgeon to have them removed. It's important to attend regular appointments with your dentist because wisdom teeth may still be present even though they are not causing discomfort. If your wisdom teeth are causing any of these symptoms, it may be time to have them extracted:
- Jaw aches or headaches
- Red, painful, or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Unpleasant taste when eating
- Swelling around the jaw
- You can see a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
At your first visit, we will take 3d scans of your mouth to detect the size and location of the wisdom teeth. Then, your surgeon will design a custom plan for your treatment and help you select the type of anesthesia for your procedure. As oral surgeons, we are qualified to administer all types, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, laughing gas, and general anesthesia.
On the day of the procedure, we will administer the chosen form of anesthesia and wait for it to take effect. Your surgeon will remove erupted wisdom teeth using forceps. To access impacted teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and may break these teeth into smaller pieces to make removal easier. We will place sutures as needed and if you underwent IV sedation, which is common for this procedure, a responsible adult must drive you home.
Follow your post-operative instructions closely to ensure a speedy recovery. They contain information on how to care for your surgical sites, examples of soft foods to enjoy, and how to manage swelling and discomfort with pain medication. Contact us if you have questions at any point, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Types of Anesthesia
There are many types of anesthesia and sedation options available to you.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Lutherville, 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 Lutherville, MD, to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost for wisdom tooth removal?
There is no one flat rate for wisdom teeth removal because every patient is a little different. Factors such as the number of wisdom teeth you have, your insurance, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia you select will contribute to the final cost. We provide you with a cost estimate during the first visit so you know exactly what to expect. Find out how much your wisdom teeth removal would cost by contacting our office today.
How long is wisdom teeth surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes about an hour or less to extract all four molars. Your procedure time may vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth you have, how many are impacted, and the level of impaction.
Can I go to work the day after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery time will vary depending on the complexity of your procedure and your body's healing process. Many patients return to work or school the day after surgery or the day after that. Gradually return to your regular routine as you feel up to it, but expect to take at least a day or two off from work or school for wisdom teeth extraction.
What is a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal?
A dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot within an empty tooth socket becomes dislodged, revealing the bones and nerves underneath the socket. It can be quite painful, and your instructions will explain steps you can take to prevent dry socket from occurring, such as not using straws or smoking for 48 hours after surgery. If you suspect a dry socket, contact our office so that our staff may assist you.
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.