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Wisdom teeth pushing other teeth into eachother.
Two teeth with one pushing against others.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Westminster, MD

Protect Your Teeth & Gums From Third Molar Complications

Wisdom teeth often develop between the ages of 17 and 25. However, many adults lack sufficient room in their mouth to house an extra set of molars, which is why dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted. At Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons offer wisdom tooth removal for teens and adults and offer many types of anesthesia for your comfort. Contact our office in Westminster, MD, to schedule a consultation and see if it's time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth taken out.

Why Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The average adult mouth can sufficiently hold 28 teeth. When an extra set of molars develop, many health complications can occur, such as dental shifting, overcrowding, bite problems, pain, and more. Wisdom teeth are large and unpredictable, and they can damage adjacent molars as they try to squeeze into the dental arch.

Some people develop all four wisdom teeth, while others develop more than four or none at all. If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, having them extracted will provide instant relief and prevent the possibility of them causing future pain or problems. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend having all wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. We regularly perform wisdom tooth removal for teens and adults to help protect your future oral health.  

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it is blocked from erupting. An impacted wisdom tooth may partially erupt or remain fully trapped beneath the gum tissue. Impacted teeth can grow sideways and pose a significant risk to the health of adjacent molars and facial structures. When a tooth is not fully erupted, it is difficult to clean properly. This increases the risk of infection, cysts, tumors, gum disease, and tooth decay. Because they cannot erupt on their own, impacted wisdom teeth must be surgically removed. During dental appointments, your dentist uses X-rays to look for signs of wisdom teeth. The sooner impacted wisdom teeth are detected and managed, the sooner we can prevent issues.

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth

People with wisdom teeth often experience pain or pressure in the back of the mouth as these teeth develop. However, it's important to note that wisdom teeth do not always cause pain. Sometimes, they go unnoticeable, but still pose a threat to your oral health. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to remove your wisdom teeth:

  • Swollen, red, or tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Headaches
  • Jaw aches or swelling
  • Ongoing bad breath, even after brushing
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Visibly seeing a wisdom tooth poking through the gums

 

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us if you notice one or more of these symptoms. Our team specializes in wisdom teeth management and providing our patients with an outstanding experience throughout every step of treatment. We will evaluate your oral health and design a custom care plan unique to your needs. 

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

During the consultation, we will take 3d scans of your mouth to assess the size and position of your wisdom teeth. Your oral surgeon will walk you through your treatment plan and answer any questions you have. We will discuss your anesthesia options and help you select the right choice for your procedure. Many patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure, but we have many options to ensure your comfort.

On the day of the procedure, after we administer the anesthesia, your surgeon will use forceps to extract wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gums. Extracting impacted wisdom teeth will require an incision to be made in the gum tissue. Larger teeth may be broken into smaller pieces to make extraction easier. Once all of the wisdom teeth have been removed, we will place sutures as necessary and you will rest until we feel you are ready to go home.

When undergoing IV sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to stay in our office during your surgery and drive you home after. We will provide you with post-operative instructions to aid in your recovery. They will explain what foods to avoid, how to avoid dry socket, and more. To manage any post-surgical pain or swelling, apply an ice pack to your face and take pain medications as directed by your surgeon. Call our office if you have any questions.

Types of Anesthesia

There are many types of anesthesia and sedation options available to you.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Westminster, 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 Westminster, MD, to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt to have wisdom teeth taken out?

Anesthesia is used during wisdom teeth removal, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we offer many options to choose from, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia, laughing gas, and IV sedation.

How can I avoid a dry socket after tooth extraction?

To avoid a dry socket, you should not smoke or use a straw for at least 48 hours after having wisdom teeth removed. The sucking motion can disturb the blood clot within the tooth socket. If this blood clot becomes dislodged, it will likely cause a significant amount of pain because the underlying nerves and bone are exposed, which is known as a dry socket. If you suspect a dry socket, contact our office immediately so we can assist you.

What is the cost of wisdom teeth removal?

There are several factors that determine the total cost of wisdom teeth removal. These factors include the number of wisdom teeth, the complexity of your procedure, your dental or medical insurance, and the anesthesia used. During the consultation, we will provide you with an estimate for your oral surgery. Our office is in network with most major insurance companies, and our staff is happy to walk you through all of your payment and financing options.

What should I do before I get my wisdom teeth taken out?

Follow your pre-operative instructions to ensure your safety during surgery. Prior to the anesthesia experience, you must not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the procedure. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding medications before your surgery and let your surgeon know of any concerns you have as soon as possible.

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.