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

Call us: 248-669-6600

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:

A representation of a pericoronitis infection on a wisdom tooth

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.

An example of a cyst formation on a wisdom tooth

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.

An illustration of teeth crowding caused by a wisdom tooth

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.

A visual of a wisdom tooth damaging an adjacent tooth

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.

Smiling teenage son with his mother after wisdom teeth extraction

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 Office Phone Number 248-669-6600 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.

A smiling woman after wisdom teeth extraction

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.

Wisdom Teeth Presentation

Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 165 Wisdom Teeth reviews

Patient Testimonial

Staff very friendly and helpful!

- Maxine C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I could not believe how easy it was to have two wisdom teeth extracted. I had no bleeding, no pain and no swelling. Thank you!!

- Diane A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Staff is great, doctor is very thorough in explaining procedure.

- Amy A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

My first impression was that the office was very clean and the staff very friendly.I am never happy about going to the dentist, usually you have pain with injections with a large out of pocket expense. I was very nervous about having my wisdom teeth removed . The dental assistance was outstanding she was always one step ahead of you and she was on top of everything.Dr. Cohen explain procedure so that your able to understand what to be expected Dr.Cohen is a very patience and understanding to accommodate your needs. Dr.Cohen had removed two of my wisdom teeth and i did not feel the extraction til it was over, Dr. Cohen is a pain free dentist and i look forward to having the other two wisdom teeth removed. Thank you Dr.Cohen and staff for everything.

- janice l

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I was a patient of Dr. Cohen's about 20 years ago. Moved to northern Michigan and when my mom needed some extractions, Dr. Cohen was the first person I thought of to take her to Mom had a awesome experience Would recommend Dr. Cohen to everyone

- Val S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. Cohen is truly amazing the procedure went perfectly

- Mark A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

This place is awesome starting from the staff up front to the assistants and doctor!! I would recommend this place for anyone!!

- Selene B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Daughter had teeth pulled - staff was super friendly and put us both at ease.

- Delores G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I love this office everyone was nice and kind! EVERYONE. Thank you for removing all 4 wisdom teeth that were bothering me for so long.

- Shaina M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Ever one was great

- Diamond W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Great staff

- Adel G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I had a great dental experience!

- Linda H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

My mother was well taken care of for extractions

- sandra m

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Everyone was very friendly, and willing to help

- Cherise G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Was impressed with the staff, no hesitation about doing surgery. Extremely professional.

- Barb S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Very fast and painless procedure. Wisdom teeth extraction was not as bad as I thought it would be. Speaks to the skill of the dentist and staff.

- Justin J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I was able to call and schedule a consultation and surgery within a week of one another. The doctor was very helpful in giving me all the information needed to make the right choice about how I should move forward with my wisdom teeth. On the day of the surgery I was seen quickly, and put to sleep. When I woke up everything was done and I was good to go. I did end up with dry socket, but when I called in at the end of the week with the issues I was having the woman on the phone was very helpful. She offered great advice, and offered to fit me into the schedule same day.

- Kristin B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I have been looking to have my wisdom teeth removed for nearly 10 years now but never pulled the trigger because of cost and them not bothering me every day. Well that changed a few months back and from the first time I spoke with the office to schedule the appointment, to a follow up for pain following the process, it was the best decision to come here. The office itself is very clean and professionally kept. The ladies behind the desk were very nice and answered all the questions I had. And Dr. Cohen was a pleasure to meet. I would highly recommend Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to anyone looking to have oral surgery done.

- Ryan W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Excellent

- Hina H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Took my daughter in for removal of 4 wisdom teeth. The assistant that supported was awesome. She was so supportive of my daughter and her nervousness and was extremely thorough in discussion of the follow up care. Extremely pleasant experience considering what she was in for. The surgery went quickly and with no follow up concerns.

- David H

5 out of 5 stars on