Wisdom Teeth Removal
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Cohen 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.
Don’t Live With Dental Pain Any Longer
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 a 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 denser.
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.
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 dissolves 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 Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number 248-669-6600 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.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Patient Testimonial
I will definitely consider any future procedures with this office. After my procedure, the office called me to check on me. After complaining about pain, they called me in office to see if my pain was due anything they could help me with and helped with pain.
- Nita B
Patient Testimonial
Excellent staff! Listened to our concerns about anesthetic and used proper caution. Billing person Jessie, was extremely helpful!
- edward l
Patient Testimonial
Amazing experience! I was very nervous for my wisdom tooth extractions, they made me very comfortable and did an incredible job. I had minimal pain and swelling during recovery. HIGHLY recommend Dr. Cohen and his staff.
- Vicki P
Patient Testimonial
The office atmosphere was warm and inviting from the moment you walk in. The staff was friendly and helpful with my insurance coverage and took the extra effort to see what is best for my family financially to ensure coverage. Dr. Cohen was knowledgable and informative on post and pre-op instructions and relieved any anxiety my daughter had with her wisdom teeth extraction.
- Amy K
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Cohen and his staff are the best. I was seen in an emergency situation without delay. The staff are extremely friendly. Dr. Cohen was extraordinarily gentle and put me at ease. I highly recommend going to see him.
- Holly M
Patient Testimonial
Level of expertise was outstanding. My daughter didn’t have any swelling and pain was minimal.
- Denise B
Patient Testimonial
Made my extraction painless
- Audrey W
Patient Testimonial
I had minimal pain after the surgery until I developed a dry socket, I called up, was told to come in ASAP and they fixed it. I wouldn’t expect to feel like someone is worried about my recovery, but they definitely check on you and offer support.
- Cameron D
Patient Testimonial
Every staff member I encountered was professional and personable. They made me feel comfortable in what was initially a stressful situation for me. I was so very thankful Dr Cohen was amenable to scheduling my appointment on short notice. I was in excruciating pain when I walked in to his office, but left feeling confident that I would be pain free very soon. I was not wrong, it was less that 24 hours when I felt like a million bucks. Thank you Dr. Cohen and your wonderful staff for a job well done.
- Vanessa S
Patient Testimonial
Visiting Lakes Oral Surgery was very helpful in determining which type of care my wisdom teeth required. All members of staff involved in my appointment were very welcoming, the visit was wonderful.
- Mason N
Patient Testimonial
The entire experience was professional and very upbeat. Everyone was knowledgeable about all information and/or concerns that we may have had.
- Charletta W
Patient Testimonial
I was very pleased with my visit. Very fast and friendly.
- Martin J
Patient Testimonial
Mala and Maranda did such a great job in caring for my children while under anesthesia. My son had 3 tooth extracted and I am amazed by how well he tolerated his pain today vs. his pass experience elsewhere. My daughter also had her wisdom tooth extracted. Glad I made the decision to bring them here and the best thing is... They wheel patients down to their car depending on whats being done.
- Gina V
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Cohen has exceeded our expectations! We love the clean and updated office, the kind and accommodating front desk staff and the attentive care provided in the operating room. Thank you for everything!
- Keegan B
Patient Testimonial
Great job I'm really happy
- Ed F
Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with the unpleasantness of getting a problematic tooth pulled. They made me feel very comfortable & helped take the edge off. I would def recommend this doctor!! 🙂
- Sandra D
Patient Testimonial
The doctor was able to get me in and out and after the procedure they actually called to see how I was doing. Haven't had that happen at any other dentist office I've worked with.
- Dare A
Patient Testimonial
Thank you for taking awesome care of 2 of my kids. The third one will be there soon!
- Elise O
Patient Testimonial
Dr Cohen and his staff were very professional and explained procedures and risks prior to starting my treatments. They offered pain-free procedures to assure I was comfortable prior to and during my treatments. I highly recommend Dr Cohen for any dental surgical procedures.
- Jim B
Patient Testimonial
By far the nicest dentist appointment I ever had
- Delaney R
