If you or your child are experiencing issues with wisdom teeth, you're not alone. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to develop. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, most adults do not have enough space for them. As a result, most dental professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth before complications arise.
Dr. Holtzen, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery in Hamilton, MT, has extensive experience in removing wisdom teeth. If you or your child are in need of wisdom teeth removal, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation at our practice.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure because these molars often cause oral health issues. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, it can be challenging to clean them properly, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems.
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped below the gums and cannot erupt normally. This can result in pain, cysts or tumors, damage to nearby teeth, and gum disease. To prevent these complications, dental health professionals often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they fully develop. The ideal time for removal is typically during the early to mid-teen years, but they can be removed at any age.
Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impaction is a common complication associated with wisdom teeth. There are different types of impaction:
- Soft tissue impaction: The tooth is partially or completely below the gums and is stuck in the gum tissue.
- Partial bony impaction: The tooth is partially stuck in the jaw bone and the gum tissue.
- Complete bony impaction: The tooth is entirely stuck in the jaw bone and cannot erupt through the gum tissue.
An impacted wisdom tooth must be surgically removed. We will take 3D scans of your teeth and jaws to determine the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may indicate the presence of wisdom teeth:
- Red, swollen gums in the back of the mouth
- Pain in the jaw
- Sore or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
The first step in any oral surgery treatment is a consultation with Dr. Holtzen. During this initial visit, he will assess your oral health, review X-rays and 3D scans, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Your options for anesthesia will also be discussed with you at this appointment.
The actual surgical procedure will take place in one of our state-of-the-art surgical suites. Anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort, and once you are ready, the surgery will begin.
If the wisdom teeth are above the gum tissue, they can be removed like any other tooth. However, if they are impacted, your surgeon will surgically expose the tooth below the gums and then remove it. Stitches will be placed if needed, and you will remain in our office until the anesthesia wears off and you are ready to go home.
Wisdom teeth removal surgery takes between 30 to 60 minutes on average. Our practice will provide you with post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Types of Anesthesia
Our practice offers several types of anesthesia and sedation.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi, I'm Hope. I live in Missoula, Montana, and I came into Alpine Oral and Facial Surgery for a wisdom tooth removal and for a TMJ arthroscopy. My first impression of the Alpine Oral and Facial Surgery office. It felt pretty homey, and all the ladies at the desk were very welcoming. I love Dr. Holtzen. He definitely knows what he's talking about and does a very good job of explaining to his patients. My overall experience here has just been wonderful. I would highly recommend Alpine Oral and Facial Surgery. They just helped me out and it was really wonderful."
"Hi, I'm Chloe. I'm from Hamilton, and I came here to get my wisdom teeth extracted. The staff at Alpine Oral and Facial Surgery are all super nice and welcoming, and I felt really safe getting such an important procedure done. I talked to Dr. Holtzen with any questions I had, and he made it seamless and a lot easier for me. He did a really good job on my surgery, and I felt great after. It feels really nice to have a beautiful smile. My overall experience was really good. I'm glad that I had all these great people around me to help me out and make sure that I was okay. If you're looking to get your wisdom teeth removed, Dr. Holtzen is the person to do it."
"Hi, I'm Jeanette and I'm from Missoula and I've had three of my boys come here. All three have had their wisdom teeth out with Dr. Holtzen. My first impression of walking into Alpine Oral and Facial Surgery, it was a welcoming environment. Everybody was very friendly. Dr. Holtzen makes every patient feel like family. The procedures went smooth. My boys' recovery was great. I have so much trust in Dr. Holtzen that I send my family here as a mom makes me feel my kids were important."
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
The timing for wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person. In general, it is recommended to have them removed during the early to mid-teen years, before they fully develop and cause complications. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age.
How long does the recovery process take after wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period typically lasts about a week. During this time, it is normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and difficulty opening your mouth fully. Your oral surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to follow, including pain management techniques, dietary restrictions, and proper oral hygiene practices. It is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Are there any risks or complications associated with wisdom teeth removal?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. Your oral surgeon will take all necessary precautions to minimize the risks. It is important to discuss any concerns or pre-existing conditions with your oral surgeon before the procedure.
Will I be awake during the wisdom tooth extraction?
The type of anesthesia or sedation used during wisdom teeth removal depends on the complexity of the case and your personal preference. Your oral surgeon will discuss the anesthesia options with you and determine the best approach based on your individual needs and comfort level.
Experience Exceptional Oral Surgery Care
We are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients and prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout your treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our practice, the services we offer, or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.