Wisdom Teeth Removal

Early evaluation often leads to the best outcomes. Most patients are checked in their mid-teen years by their dentist or orthodontist and then referred to us for a consultation. After reviewing your exam and imaging, Dr. Ali will determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed and will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives so you know exactly what to expect. 

Why remove wisdom teeth?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can occur. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 and in others it may not be until their early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. As you age, the roots become denser, making surgery and recovery more difficult. Healing can take longer, and the risk of complications can be higher. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

What to expect on surgery day 

Most patients prefer IV sedation so they can sleep comfortably through the procedure. We will review anesthesia options during your consultation. All procedures are performed with advanced monitoring and a highly trained team. 

Before surgery: 

• Do not eat or drink for 6-8 hours beforehand (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) unless instructed otherwise. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk of serious anesthetic complications, including nausea, vomiting, aspiration pneumonia and death. **Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not followed these guidelines.** 
• A parent or responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day

During surgery:

• IV sedation is started, followed by local anesthesia to ensure complete numbness.
• The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes. 
• If your surgery requires stitches, these are generally the type that dissolve on their own within 5-7 days and do not require removal. 

After surgery: 

• You will rest in our office before heading home. 
• You will likely be drowsy for a significant portion of the day and should rest under appropriate supervision.
• Some swelling, stiffness, and discomfort are expected and will usually subside over a seven day period. 
• The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to the nerve. 
• Post-operatively, we recommend beginning with a clear liquid and very soft diet with gradual increases as your body tolerates over seven days. 
• Pain is usually managed with a combination of ant-inflammatory and prescription opioids for breakthrough pain. 
• If you are prescribed antibiotics and take birth control pills, please be aware that the efficacy of birth control pills may decrease and take appropriate precautions. 

Cost and insurance

Your exact treatment cost depends on the number of teeth, complexity of the procedure, and anesthesia type. After your consultation and imaging review, we will provide a detailed estimate. Our staff will help you understand your insurance benefits and maximize coverage. 

Questions?

We encourage you to ask any questions during your consultation. If anything comes up afterward, our patient care team is always available. Dr. Ali can also address any last-minute concerns on the day of your procedure.