Get Ready for Your Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, and understanding the wisdom teeth removal procedure can help alleviate any concerns you may have. Our Bethlehem & Stroudsburg, PA oral surgeons want to ensure you’re prepared. We’ll walk you through the wisdom teeth removal procedure and answer any questions
To schedule an appointment, contact Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery & Implant Center by calling 484-821-1357.
The Importance of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Preventing complications such as impaction, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth is the primary reason wisdom teeth removal is crucial for oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even the formation of cysts or tumors. Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon, ensuring the safe and thorough extraction of the troublesome tooth.
Of course, every procedure comes with potential risks and complications. Wisdom tooth removal may involve:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Dry socket
Assessing Your Wisdom Teeth
Oral Examination
During an oral examination, our oral surgeon will conduct a comprehensive dental examination to assess the positioning and state of the wisdom teeth, the surrounding gum tissue, and nearby teeth. This evaluation helps predict if your wisdom teeth need an extraction or if they’ll cause any current or future potential issues. Patients are typically evaluated in their mid-teen years to determine how many wisdom teeth they have and if they require extraction.
X-Ray Analysis
Identifying impacted wisdom teeth and any associated issues is made possible through dental X-rays. Panoramic, periapical, and occlusal X-rays are utilized for the assessment of wisdom teeth, including the detection of impacted wisdom teeth.
The advantages of X-rays include:
- Pinpointing the exact location and size of the wisdom teeth
- Identifying any associated issues, such as cysts or tumors
- Assisting the oral surgeon in creating the most suitable plan of action for the removal of wisdom teeth
- Ensuring a successful extraction and minimizing potential complications
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your specific case, a personalized treatment plan is developed. We’ll make a plan based on a comprehensive diagnosis, including dental X-rays, and consider factors such as the risk of blood clot formation during the extraction process.
Anesthesia Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dental sedation options ensure patient comfort and pain management during the procedure. You’ll discuss the options available to you with our oral surgeon and determine which is best for you before your procedure.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process
Anesthesia Administration
The first step in your extraction is anesthesia administration, which guarantees your comfort and assists with pain management. Regardless of the type of anesthesia chosen, it’s essential to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions and take necessary precautions before the procedure, such as avoiding food and beverages (except for prescription medications taken with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours before the extraction.
Tooth Extraction
During the tooth extraction, an incision is first made in the gum tissue, revealing both the tooth and the underlying bone. If any bone is obstructing access to the tooth root, it’s carefully removed. To facilitate a smoother extraction, the wisdom tooth might be sectioned into smaller pieces.
Once adequately sectioned, the tooth is extracted from its position. Following the removal, the site is meticulously cleaned to rid it of any debris. In some cases, to aid the healing process, the wound is sutured, although these stitches typically dissolve over time.
Suturing and Gauze Placement
Suturing and gauze placement after the extraction aid in controlling bleeding and promoting healing. Our oral surgeon may use dissolvable sutures that disappear within 3 to 5 days, eliminating the need for removal.
A gauze is placed over the extraction site to absorb blood and help form a clot, which is essential for healing. Following your oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including guidelines for pain management, swelling reduction, and oral hygiene, will ensure a smooth recovery and minimize potential complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the wisdom tooth removal process painful?
Wisdom tooth removal is generally quick and painless, as the area will be numbed before the procedure begins. You may feel slight pressure and tugging during the extraction, but should not experience any pain. After the procedure, some tenderness and swelling can occur near the extraction site, however, this should subside within seven days with some rest.
How long does a wisdom teeth procedure usually take?
Wisdom tooth extraction typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours, with the average procedure lasting around an hour. Single teeth may take shorter to remove, while difficult cases and those involving all four teeth could take longer.
Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Removal Today!
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure to prevent complications and promote oral health and the health of other teeth. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, schedule your appointment, or call our Bethlehem and Stroudsburg, PA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons at 484-821-1357. We welcome patients from Allentown, Fullerton, and Middletown.
EXCELLENT
455 reviews on
ezequiel cabrera vilanova
April 17, 2024.
Consultation service was remarkable. The staff at the Stroudsburg office were so kind and welcoming. Big impact for first appearance. So I am thankful how informative and kind the staff members were. Even Dr.Kim was present and informative as to how the surgery was going to go. The day of surgery I went to the Bethlehem office, once again was welcomed by the staff at that location with kindness and welcoming persona’s. Dr Kim was my surgeon, her along with the team that were present were so attentive and explained everything, which helped keep me at ease. My experience was great!
Eithiana (Eithiana)
April 13, 2024.
I forgot to write a review two years ago, but my experience here was actually amazing. I had a wisdom tooth removal. I don’t remember much but I remember being instructed on care. I have healed up wonderfully too. Thanks for the help.
Zachary Williams
April 5, 2024.
I have only good things to say about my experience yesterday. My sincere thanks for your five star service. You ushered me out of a painful situation that was threatening to last MONTHS because of the state of healthcare in rural PA. The fees were reasonable especially for such speedy and friendly service in a professional, relaxing office. Great work, all.
Damaris Mendez Torres
March 30, 2024.
My experience was an A plus , Dr and all the staff very professional and very quick process , I feel very glad that I found them close to me Thanks !
Sahara Pajaron
March 3, 2024.
I had a tooth pulled out and it only took less than 2 minutes. Dr. Kim and the whole team was amazing.
Ready to get your widsom teeth removed?