Wisdom Teeth Removal
Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth? | Removal Procedure | Cost of Removal
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Frazee can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
Relieve the Discomfort Caused by Wisdom Teeth
Don’t suffer any longer! Dr. Frazee can gently extract wisdom teeth to prevent future complications.
What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What if I have questions before surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Western Reserve OMS, Inc. Phone Number 440.845.0555 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
Patient Reviews for Wisdom Teeth
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Western Reserve Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was friendly! Procedure and recovery went well!
- Ashley M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Outstanding
- Al s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent experience have already recommended to friends
- Gary D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very welcoming practice.
- Mike M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great patient care
- Allyssa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional and courteous. Also very informative and knowledgeable. Recommended to everyone
- Josh M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great work and quick scheduling. Told me all the information I needed in an easy to understand matter
- Greg J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Quick procedure, quick recovery. Clean incisions able to manage pain primarily w/ice & topical pain relief. So lad this is dons!
- Jennifer S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have a place that removes wisdom teeth 30 seconds from my house. I chose this location 30 mins away from my house cause of the professionalism that was displayed and I felt comfortable.
- Mitchell L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience here was very good.
- Bryleigh W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend.
- Joanne S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience from start to end
- Aziza K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fantastic experience
- Jenna L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was terrified and didn't even need to be. Staff was very friendly and the Dr did a phenomenal job.
- Destiny S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The procedure went smoothly and instructions were clear leading up to it and after the surgery.
- Corey B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Good experience. Was able to get in quickly and get my surgery done.
- Elizabeth P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The relationship began with my 18 year old daughter needing all 4 of her wisdom teeth removed. The entire staff a Western Reserve OMS were amazing. Everyone worked together from our first telephone contact to schedule an appointment through the final procedure and follow up with an attitude of wanting to serve. They acknowledged us immediately with friendliness and professionalism, from filling out forms, gathering insurance information assisting us in filling out my claim correctly. Dr. Frazee was so kind in putting us at ease concerning the reason for our visit and removed any fears we had about the recommended procedures. We felt very comfortable with his diagnosis, treatment and follow up plan. We appreciated very much everyone we came in contact with during our time there. I will be having all my family members cared for by WR-OMS for all or oral surgery needs as well as making recommendations to our friends to do the same.
- Valerie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff and office setting.
- Cheryl O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They did everything they could to make me comfortable from payment to procedure. Thank you.
- Colleen H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone here is awesome
- Danielle D