Wisdom Teeth Removal
Comfortable and Safe Third Molar Removal
Between the ages of 17 and 25, most people develop an extra set of molars called wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. There is only enough room in the mouth to house 28 adult teeth, so it can be problematic when an extra set of molars tries to fit in. Many dentists and oral surgeons recommend having these teeth extracted as soon as possible before they start causing issues.
At Kentuckiana Oral Maxillofacial and Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons perform comfortable wisdom tooth removal at all four of our offices, conveniently located in Louisville and Mt. Washington, KY, and Jeffersonville, IN. If you or your child have third molars, contact our practice to have an oral surgery expert remove your wisdom teeth.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
When left untreated, wisdom teeth can become large and threaten the health of adjacent teeth. Their roots can grow into other teeth roots or facial nerves, and they can push teeth out of alignment. Some wisdom teeth become trapped beneath the gums, known as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth must be surgically removed as they will not naturally erupt into the dental arch.
Common signs and symptoms of wisdom teeth include pain, ongoing bad breath, difficulty fully opening the mouth, swollen or tender gums, jaw pain, or a bad taste in the mouth. Schedule a visit with our team in Louisville, KY, if you experience any of these symptoms.
The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are many benefits of having your wisdom teeth extracted by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, including:
Prevent Cysts or Tumors
Some wisdom teeth only partially erupt and become magnets for food and bacteria. This creates a higher risk of infection and the formation of cysts or tumors around the tooth. Infection can also cause chronic bad breath and can spread to the gums, causing gingivitis and gum disease.
Relieve Pain
Some patients experience pain or pressure in the back of their mouth caused by the wisdom teeth developing. Having them removed can immediately bring relief.
Preserve Alignment
Because they are so large and there is not enough room, wisdom teeth can push neighboring teeth out of alignment. This can have a chain reaction and lead to misalignment of other teeth.
Protect Future Health
By having third molars removed early, you have peace of mind knowing that you have eliminated the possibility of risks associated with wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
If you need wisdom teeth removed, you will first meet with Dr. Nathan Walters, Dr. Christopher Noonan, Dr. Geoff Mills, Dr. Jamie Warren, and Dr. Will Allen. We will take 3D scans of your teeth and discuss your options for anesthesia. Most patients undergo IV sedation for wisdom tooth extraction, but several options are available.
On the day of your extraction, your surgeon will administer the chosen form of anesthesia. Erupted wisdom teeth may simply be removed using forceps. For an impacted wisdom tooth, your surgeon will make a small incision in the gums and remove the tooth. Large teeth may be broken into smaller pieces to make removal easier.
Sutures are then placed, and you will rest in our office until the anesthesia wears off. A responsible adult must accompany you to the surgery, remain in the office, and drive you home afterwards. This person should stay with you for 24 hours, as you will be under the effects of anesthesia for several hours after surgery. Our office will provide you instructions on how to care for your extraction sites during recovery, such as rinsing your mouth and what food to avoid.
Types of Anesthesia
There are several options of anesthesia and sedation available to choose from.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Louisville, KY
We take several factors into consideration when determining the cost of your wisdom teeth removal surgery. These factors include the number of wisdom teeth you have, your choice of anesthesia, and the overall complexity of your procedure. During the consultation, we will go over each of these with you and provide you with a cost estimate for treatment. To schedule your wisdom tooth consultation, please contact our Louisville, Kentucky, office today.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Louisville, KY
The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Kentucky Oral Maxillofacial and Dental Implant Surgery are experts in safely extracting wisdom teeth. If you or your child have third molars or would like an evaluation, contact us for an appointment. We offer wisdom teeth removal to patients of all ages in Louisville, Kentucky, and surrounding areas.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"I’m Trenton, I’m from Taylorsville, and I had my wisdom teeth pulled. When I walked into the practice, I felt like I was welcomed. The doctors welcomed me, all the doctors’ assistants—they made sure I was at ease for everything. They always asked me questions, if I was comfortable or if I needed anything. The doctor was great. Actually, he has a lot of interests in stuff that I have. He always makes me feel like I’m at home whenever I get to talk to him. The procedure went as expected. I was up and at it a few days after my procedure was done and I was ready to rock and roll. I got a great big smile now. I would highly recommend Kentuckiana Oral Maxillofacial and Dental Implant Surgery."
Frequently Asked Questions: Wisdom Teeth
Is wisdom tooth removal an emergency?
Standard wisdom tooth extraction is not considered an emergency. If you are in immense pain, you should go to the nearest emergency room and receive care from the oral surgeon on call, as there may be a more serious problem present.
Is it safe to get all four wisdom teeth pulled at once?
It is safe and recommended to get all wisdom teeth extracted at the same time. This prevents the need for multiple procedures and only requires your body to go through one recovery process, making it easier on your oral health and daily routine.
How painful is wisdom teeth removal?
Anesthesia and sedation makes the removal process very comfortable. Many patients have no memory of the surgery after undergoing IV sedation. In most cases, a local anesthetic is also used on the surgical area to provide additional comfort after surgery. Any post-operative pain can be managed with medications prescribed by your surgeon or with over-the-counter pain medication.
How many days should you take off after wisdom teeth removal?
You should plan to rest the day of your wisdom teeth removal surgery and may need the next day to rest as well. Most patients resume normal activities a few days after surgery. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding activity levels and things to avoid to ensure a speedy recovery. It will take about two weeks for your surgical sites to fully heal, but you can return to work or school much sooner.
Should I also have impacted wisdom teeth removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth threaten your oral health and can cause a variety of issues down the road. Because they are blocked from erupting into the dental arch, impacted wisdom teeth can damage other teeth roots and facial structures as they develop. If you have impacted teeth and they are not causing any concern, you may not need to have them removed. However, having these teeth extracted prevents the chance of future complications. During the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your oral health and determine if extraction is necessary.
How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
One of the most common signs that you need your wisdom teeth taken out is pain. As these molars try to squeeze in, they can cause pain or pressure in the back of your mouth. Other signs that indicate it may be time to have your wisdom teeth removed include chronic bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, swollen or tender gums, and seeing the top of a wisdom tooth poking through the gums.
Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent these issues from happening. This is one of many reasons routine dental exams are important. If your dentist detects the presence of wisdom teeth, he or she will refer you to an oral surgeon for treatment to prevent issues before they begin.
How can I afford wisdom teeth removal?
Our team at Kentuckiana Oral Maxillofacial and Dental Implant Surgery provides patients with many payment options so you can receive the care you need. If you have dental or medical insurance, most plans cover a portion of the cost of wisdom teeth removal. Our office also accepts a variety of payment methods and financing, so you can pay off your balance over time. We will discuss all of your options with you during the consultation and work with you to receive the maximum reimbursement from your insurance. Learn more about our financial and insurance information.
Your Home for Clinical Excellence
Since 2004, we have provided patients along the Indiana and Kentucky border with superior oral surgery services and beautiful results. Our surgeons are oral health experts, and together with our skilled staff, we raise the bar for our patients and their experiences.