Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, due to the limited space in the mouth, most adults do not have enough room for these additional molars. As a result, dental experts often recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth before complications arise.
Dr. Holtzen, a highly experienced and board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery in Missoula, MT, specializes in a wide range of oral surgery procedures, including wisdom teeth removal. If you or your child requires wisdom teeth removal, contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Since wisdom teeth can cause a lot of oral health issues, removing them is common. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, they can be challenging to clean properly, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
Additionally, when wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped below the gums and cannot erupt normally), they can cause issues such as pain, cysts or tumors, damage to nearby teeth, and gum disease.
To prevent these problems, dental health professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth before they fully develop. The early to mid-teen years are considered an ideal time for wisdom teeth removal, but they can be removed at nearly any age.
Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impaction is a common problem that can happen with wisdom teeth. There are different types of impaction:
- Soft tissue impaction: In this case, the tooth is partly or completely below the gums. It gets stuck in the gum tissue but is not stuck in the bone.
- Partial bony impaction: Here, the tooth is partially stuck in the jaw bone and partially stuck in the gum tissue.
- Complete bony impaction: The tooth is completely stuck in the jaw bone and is unable to erupt into the mouth.
Nomatter the type of impaction, impacted wisdom teeth must be surgically removed because they cannot erupt properly.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
Your general dentist will monitor the growth and development of your wisdom teeth during regular checkups. However, if you are experiencing any signs of your wisdom teeth coming in, please call our office for an evaluation.
- 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
First, you will meet with Dr. Holtzen for a consultation. During this visit, he will check your mouth, look at X-rays and 3D scans, and make a plan for your treatment. He will also talk to you about anesthesia options.
The surgical procedure will take place in one of our state-of-the-art surgical suites. You will be given medicine to make you comfortable during the surgery.
If your wisdom teeth have already erupted, they can be removed like any other tooth extraction. However, if they are impacted, an incision will be made in the gums to expose the tooth before removing it. If needed, sutures will be placed once the tooth has been removed.
Wisdom teeth removal surgery takes about 30 to 60 minutes. After the surgery, we will give you instructions to follow to minimize the risk of complications as you recover.
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 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."
"Hi, I'm Taylor. I'm from Missoula and I came to Alpine Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth taken out. When I walked in, I felt very at home and very safe and very comfortable. All the people here were super sweet and comforting and it made me, you know, just feel really happy. It was a super quick procedure. It's completely healed. It's perfectly fine. It was really, really nice knowing that I had people here who were here for me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Alpine Oral Surgery. I would definitely come here if I needed anything done again."
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the right time for my wisdom teeth to be removed?
Many people have their wisdom teeth removed during their early or mid-teen years, when these teeth are still developing. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any time.
How much does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth being removed, the type of anesthesia used, and your insurance coverage. During your consultation appointment, we will provide you with an estimated cost.
What is recovery like after wisdom tooth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom tooth removal can vary from person to person. Generally, you can expect some swelling, discomfort, and mild bleeding in the first few days following the procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, 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.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a potential complication that can occur after wisdom tooth extraction. This can result in severe pain and delay the healing process. To prevent dry socket, it is crucial to follow your oral surgeon's post-operative instructions. If you experience severe pain or notice an empty socket after your surgery, contact your oral surgeon immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
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.