Wisdom Teeth Removal in West Bloomfield, MI
Types of Impaction | Procedure Overview | Informational Videos | Pain Management | Patient Testimonials
Wisdom teeth removal is a proactive step that most students in their teens and early twenties are taking, and for good reason. By removing the wisdom teeth now, you are not only protecting yourself from potential complications and expensive oral surgery later in life but also taking responsibility for your oral health. At Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we perform wisdom teeth extraction every day, refining our skills and developing the most effective and least-invasive techniques for the safety and satisfaction of our dental patients.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of the jaw. Most people have one molar each in the back of the upper and lower jaw on both sides of the mouth. The wisdom teeth evolved long ago to help our ancestors chew tough, stringy foods. Because our diets have changed since then, we no longer need the third molars. Our jaws have gotten smaller, leaving little space for the third molars to come in.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are multiple reasons to get your wisdom teeth removed when you are young. If you leave them in place, they may try to erupt later in life, developing an impaction, pushing other teeth out of alignment, or becoming infected. Wisdom teeth that emerge only partially from the gums create an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
In any of these situations, your wisdom teeth need removal. If you wait until a problem such as impaction or infection, you are more likely to experience complications. As you age, the roots of the wisdom teeth continue to grow, making them more difficult to remove and prone to complications. 3rd molar extraction when you are young is a proactive step to prevent impaction, infection, and other common problems before they develop.
Dr. Cohen Can Gently Extract Wisdom Teeth
Don't delay any longer! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Does It Mean If My Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?
It is impacted if a third molar tries to erupt and becomes trapped in the gums or jawbone because of insufficient room. An impacted tooth may push neighboring molars out of alignment. It is also difficult to keep clean, making it more prone to cavities and infection. There are three types of wisdom tooth impaction, including:
Soft Tissue Impaction
The tooth is partially covered by gum tissue, making it difficult to clean the tooth.
Partial Bony Impaction
The tooth has partially emerged from the jawbone, but not fully. It is difficult to clean and cannot properly contribute to chewing or other functions.
Complete Bony Impaction
The wisdom tooth is completely trapped in the jawbone and cannot emerge. It may be sideways or tilted in the jawbone. Complex surgery is required to remove the tooth from the jawbone.
What Happens on the Day of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom Teeth Removal Patient Testimonial
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 accompany you to the office and plan to stay with you for the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes, and you will be in the office for 90 minutes.
Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner that promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are always used.
On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, you must have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). Anything in your stomach can increase the risk of serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines.
When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. IV sedation is administered to relax you and lull you into “twilight sleep.” After the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and watch you until the sedative is out of your system, which may take up to 24 hours.
If your surgery requires stitches, they usually 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 normal recovery and will subside in several days.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Informational Videos
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.
Post-Op Pain Control
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory drugs 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 Jell-O 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.
Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Patient Testimonial
I believe that overall it was a very good experience and the staff was very helpful with setting up the appointment and any follow-up necessary. Dr. Cohen was very professional and appeared well-qualified. The doctor adequately answered all questions regarding the procedure and my situation. An oral surgeon's job is a difficult one but my only suggestion would be for the doctor to approach the patient with a more relaxing and anxiety easing approach. A smile - final reassurance or even a quick joke go a long way in making the patient comfortable. I did not personally need it but many people fear most dental visits. Overall as I previously expressed it was a very good experience and I would definitely recommend the doctor.
- Patrick S
Patient Testimonial
Thank you for your great professional service. Highly recommend you. She's still down and out today and having trouble with the pain. but it's manageable with no compilations.
- Mackenzie M
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Cohen is the best!
- Eric B
Patient Testimonial
Dr Cohen and his staff were great !
- Ellyn W
Patient Testimonial
Was very nervous getting my tooth removed, but Dr. Cohen was completed within 10 minutes. Made sure I was nice and numb and no pain after the extraction.
- Allison H
Patient Testimonial
Great service
- Donisha M
Patient Testimonial
Good care, knowledgeable and friendly. I would go back if needed and would easily recommend.
- Marianne N
Patient Testimonial
Thank you for dealing with my sassyness while I was under anesthesia! Your team was phenomenal and I couldn't be happier.
- Anna M
Patient Testimonial
Overall I had a good experience
- Julia S
Patient Testimonial
I wish every medical experience was as good these guys! You dong get service like this anymore!
- Sydney K
Patient Testimonial
Needed to coordinate with my Hematologist and Lakes Oral Surgery was very accommodating in getting the job done professionally.
- Richard R
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Cohen is great
- Amar F
Patient Testimonial
All three of my children have had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Cohen. The consultation was informative and very thorough, leaving everyone well prepared for the procedure. The care provided by Dr. Cohen and his staff was always superb, and my children sailed through the removal of their wisdom teeth with absolutely no complications. I recommend this office to anyone in need of oral surgery services.
- Vickie R
Patient Testimonial
My daughter had her wisdom teeth removed. The staff and the doctor were great. Made her comfortable and weRe so helpful!
- Ann W
Patient Testimonial
Great staff and great procedure! I was healthy and active the next day
- Parker C
Patient Testimonial
Everyone was very helpful and caring during my intial visit and pre/post operation. Thanks again,
- Ethan C
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Cohen, along with his amazing staff, cared for my daughter with a great deal of compassion and professionalism. I highly recommend Lakes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery!!!!
- Cory E
Patient Testimonial
The staff and the doctor were amazing. A place that i have already told people about after 1 day of being there. Very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
- Ashley S
Patient Testimonial
thank you so much for all the care and comfort you gave me.
- Adam F
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Cohen is the best!!!
- Kay G
