Wisdom teeth removal may be the most common oral surgery procedure, but it can be a complicated one. That's why it's important to go to someone with a great deal of experience. Dr. Lisenby has nearly 20 years of experience removing wisdom teeth with IV sedation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many theorize that wisdom teeth are left over from a time when our human ancestors had larger jaws and more teeth.
Why might I need wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth often have to be extracted to ensure the rest of your teeth stay healthy. Most wisdom teeth erupt misaligned, which can cause tooth crowding and disruption in your teeth and gums. This is not only painful but can make oral hygiene more difficult. Another common reason for wisdom teeth extraction is a partial eruption. This encourages bacteria to accumulate in the pockets of your gums, putting you at risk for gum disease, infection, and tooth decay. That being said, sometimes wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth erupt properly aligned and don’t impact your other teeth, your doctor may not recommend extraction. But generally, wisdom teeth need to be removed to preserve a healthy smile.
Hear From Our Patients
Our family has received excellent service and care with Dr Lisenby’s office for several years now. The entire staff is very friendly and professional. They always work with our insurance company to provide the best treatment options. We especially appreciate the convenience of having routine dental exams and oral surgery (wisdom teeth removal) at the same location. We completely trust Dr. Lisenby and all of their staff with our dental care!
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Get Comprehensive Care
Digital x-rays provide high-resolution images of your teeth which allows us to make more precise diagnoses. We can see exactly why the tooth is causing pain and determine if an extraction is needed.
Sedation Options For Maximum Comfort
We know wisdom teeth removal can be scary, but it doesn’t need to be. We administer general anesthesia in a controlled environment to make the procedure as painless as possible.
Holistic Materials
We offer biologically-compatible materials to improve your treatment and recovery process. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) accelerates the healing process, minimizes pain, and decreases swelling during treatment. Not only that, but it strengthens the function and structure of the bone.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are No Match For Us
Impacted wisdom teeth can be tricky to remove but this is no problem for our team. We will efficiently remove your impacted wisdom teeth with minimal discomfort. We know you deserve expert care for a complex procedure.
The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Eliminates Pain and Discomfort
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort. They have no limitations in how they erupt, often growing sideways or putting uncomfortable pressure on your other teeth. Wisdom teeth removal will relieve the pain and release your teeth from the pressure.
Prevents Infection & Bacteria
When wisdom teeth partially erupt, the open gap around the teeth is essentially a pool for bacteria to grow and thrive. Removing your wisdom teeth will keep your mouth healthy and free from bacteria and infection.
Keeps Teeth Aligned
Erupting wisdom teeth may put pressure on your surrounding teeth. This often disrupts the alignment of your teeth and can misalign a previously straight smile. Tooth crowding is also problematic in keeping up with a healthy oral hygiene routine.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Treatment Plan
Our treatment plan will be determined based on your medical history and any relevant x-rays taken from your general dentist. We may need to take additional x-rays to ensure we have a complete view of your oral health. We will then create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and go over sedative options for maximum comfort.
The Procedure
Your doctor will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and administer sedation to make you more comfortable, usually this consists of general anesthesia or laughing gas. Your doctor will then gently loosen the tooth in the socket with a dental elevator. Once it’s loose, they will remove the tooth with dental forceps. The surgical site will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected so the healing process can begin.
Recovery & Aftercare
Once the procedure is completed, sutures will be placed so that the site can heal correctly. Before we send you home, we will provide thorough instructions to ensure that your mouth is recovering at a normal pace. Although the best way to heal is with proper rest and relaxation, we will only be a phone call away if you have any questions!
Before & Afters
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is wisdom teeth extraction necessary?
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There are many reasons why wisdom teeth removal may be necessary. This includes wisdom teeth growing in at the wrong angle. They can grow sideways, partially erupt, or even become trapped underneath the gum and bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can take many positions in the bone as they try to find a pathway to successfully erupt. All of these reasons make wisdom teeth removal necessary to preserve your oral health.
What if my wisdom teeth don’t hurt?
Sometimes wisdom teeth aren’t painful which can indicate different things. There is a chance they may be growing in properly without any issues, but pain-free doesn’t necessarily mean there’s nothing wrong. Even if they aren’t causing pain currently, it doesn’t mean issues won’t arise in the future. Wisdom teeth are often impacted or trapped beneath the surface of the gums which will become a larger issue later down the line. That’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor regardless of pain or not so we can provide you with more information.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
Thanks to our sedation options, the procedure itself is not painful. You won’t feel any discomfort before or immediately after. After a few hours, it’s common to feel tenderness, swelling, bruising, and possibly some bleeding. These symptoms generally peak 2-3 days after the procedure and will slowly diminish as you continue to heal. Make sure to only eat soft foods for about a week to prevent further irritation.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
It takes about 1-2 weeks for your mouth to fully recover after the extraction. During this process, it’s vital to carefully follow the recovery instructions provided by your doctor. This is to ensure that you heal properly and prevent complications. If you are still dealing with severe pain and discomfort after this period, contact your doctor for a follow-up. Pain after this period is not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible.
How do I care for the extraction site post-op?
Caring for the extraction site after your operation is essential in avoiding dry socket. Dry socket is a complication that arises if a blood clot fails to form, exposing your nerves and causing pain. That’s why we recommend biting on gauze as prescribed by your doctor. If bleeding or oozing persists, replace your gauze and bite firmly on the extraction site for another 30-45 minutes. Also, for the first few days following your extraction, avoid drinking anything through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket. Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products as well – not only can the suction cause dry socket, but the chemicals present in tobacco products can significantly impede your body’s ability to heal. Contact our office if bleeding persists multiple days following the extraction.
Are wisdom teeth extractions covered by insurance?
Extractions to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are often covered by insurance because it's a medical necessity. However, every insurance plan has various benefits and policies, so we recommend that you contact your insurance provider for specific details.
