Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Johns Creek
Safe, comfortable wisdom teeth removal by Dr. Egolum. Utilizing advanced 3D Cone Beam imaging and modern IV sedation for pain-free treatment and rapid recovery.
Get Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Johns Creek By a Board Certified Oral Surgeon
- With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Egolum 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 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.
- To schedule a consultation for your wisdom teeth evaluation please call our office 770-764-0840.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth require removal/extraction. If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt, a number of problems can occur. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as age 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 or extracting 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 jawbone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand, destroying adjacent jawbone 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 jawbone.
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 Removal or Extraction as a Teenager Or Young Adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jawbone 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 not have them removed unless a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops due to high risk of complications at this point. 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/Extracted?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removal/extraction 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 (for those under the age of 18) 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 45 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 1 hour. 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 in our office.
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 8 hours. 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.
- • Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of surgery to drive and stay with you.
- • Stitches are usually the type that dissolve in 5 to 10 days and do not require removal.
- • Try non-narcotic anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen first; use prescription pain medicine if needed.
- • Start with clear liquids (jello, broth) and avoid dairy products (milk, yogurt) on the day of surgery to prevent nausea.
- • If you are prescribed antibiotics and take birth control pills, use secondary 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, including the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Egolum will review your x-rays, complete an examination, and provide an accurate estimate. Our office staff will assist you in obtaining the maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluation in Johns Creek
Call Creekside Oral Surgery directly at (770) 764-0840 or request an appointment online today.
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