Wisdom Teeth
What are wisdom teeth?
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
Call Annapolis Office Phone Number 410-268-7790 to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation.
To read more about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.
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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.
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Walzer, Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Hlousek, Dr. Jones, Dr. Chambers and Dr. Kufta 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.
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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 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 more dense. 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.
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 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 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 Annapolis Office Phone Number 410-268-7790 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.
Patient Reviews for Wisdom Teeth Removal
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Oral Surgery Specialists
Patient Testimonial
I was so worried about taking my wisdom tooth out and Dr Jones and his staff make it sooo easy.. I can’t even describe how peaceful it was.. I def recommend him and all his staff!! Thank you so much
- Leticia O
Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend this doctor and his whole staff. Not only were my extractions painless but the whole staff made an effort to make me relax and comfortable. I would return, if needed, without a hesitation.
- Frances D
Patient Testimonial
They made it a walk in the park! Writing this the night of getting all 4 wisdom teeth removed. The doctors and nurses here were very professional, friendly, and helped with my nervousness about everything. My face isn’t swollen, I’m not in any excruciating pain, and the procedure was very fast. For those scared of getting their wisdom teeth out, come here and it’ll be a breeze.
- Kowen B
Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. Jones! He provided quality care, is very knowledgeable and the ultimate professional. I scheduled the wisdom teeth extraction appointment blindly for my daughter not knowing anything about the practice or the team other than what is stated online. This is a very good practice.
- Adama M
Patient Testimonial
Dr Borek Hlousek and dental assistants, JoJo and Jess are the best! Needless to say, I was dreading getting my wisdom teeth pulled. Dr Hlousek professionalism and care was not only reassuring but actually lightened the event with his patient side manners and humor. He turned a dreaded experience into something more than tolerable. It was an almost fun visit! He shook my hand after the less than 1 minute tooth extraction, and said “Have a good day”! I did! I left and the bleeding stopped within 15 minutes and I enjoyed the rest of the day. Thank you Dr Hlousek, JoJo and Jess!
- Janice M
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Jones has performed wisdom teeth extraction for both of my kids. The surgeries went well and recovery was very easy. He and his staff made sure my kids were comfortable at every point in the process. While I hope no one else in my family needs oral surgery in the future, I know we’ll use OSS if the need arises.
- Alison M
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Hlousek is a "top notch" surgeon, both in his performance and his bedside manner. He extracted our son's 3 impacted wisdom teeth in about 45 minutes. Our son did not qualify for sedation and received just local anesthetics. Even with this, he experienced no pain whatsoever. Everything from the procedure down to the after-care recovery went extremely smooth. Dr. H. is very understanding and sympathetic toward his patients and their family members. He granted permission for one of us to be with our son during the procedure. His approach is gentle and kind. He is sensitive to the needs of others. When the majority of medical offices have staff follow up the next day after surgery, Dr. H. called in person. This was not something we expected. We think very highly of Dr. H. and this practice. We would definitely recommend it to anyone needing oral surgery.
- Connie Z
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Sullivan, Is the best oral surgeon. My experience was l awesome. I feel great!!
- Janet H