Wisdom teeth, the final set of molars, usually make their appearance during late adolescence or early adulthood. However, they can often become impacted – a condition where they remain confined beneath the gum tissue or bone. This can lead to various complications, including persistent discomfort and problems with dental alignment, such as crowding and spacing. In many cases, the most effective way to prevent these issues is through preemptive removal of the wisdom teeth. This is a procedure that requires both skill and experience due to its complexity. At Saline Oral Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, we possess the necessary experience to conduct safe wisdom teeth removal procedures. We are committed to serving patients in the Ann Arbor, MI community with the highest standards of dental care.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Typically, we all develop 32 permanent teeth over the course of our lifetime, with the wisdom teeth being the last four to emerge. Though most of us get our wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 21, the timeline can vary, with some wisdom teeth emerging as early as age 11.
The issue that many of us experience is that the jaw is simply too small to accommodate these final teeth. With no space to erupt as normal, the wisdom teeth can remain impacted or else emerge at odd angles.
Our practice advises most patients to have their wisdom teeth removed as early as possible. Doing so can prevent the development of more serious complications. Additionally, having the wisdom teeth removed earlier in life tends to make the process more comfortable and the recovery more seamless.
Why Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life, helping you to avoid the need for costly or painful procedures down the road. By having your wisdom teeth taken out earlier in life, you can preserve your smile and mitigate your risk of complications.
Discomfort and sensitivity around the impacted teeth
Infection in and around the gums
Damage to adjacent teeth
Cysts around the jawbone
A Walkthrough of Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Your wisdom teeth removal journey begins with a consultation. This involves sitting down with our doctor to discuss treatment options, ask questions, and learn more about aftercare and recovery. Additionally, the doctor will perform a full evaluation of your teeth and gums, confirming your eligibility for a safe, successful procedure.
On the day of your procedure, we will provide you with a warm welcome, bring you back to a private treatment room, and administer anesthesia. Your comfort and safety are our foremost concerns, and once the anesthesia has taken effect, your doctor will carefully remove the wisdom teeth and close the incision sites.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, usually taking just a short time to complete. These procedures are done right here in our office, and once you are awake, you will be discharged to head home for a day or two of rest and recovery.
What Is the Recovery and Aftercare of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
All wisdom teeth procedures are performed with Exparel®, a long-lasting pain reliever that helps to promote your comfort during the first few days of recovery. Because of this, most patients experience minimal pain, usually requiring nothing more than Motrin or Tylenol to remain comfortable following surgery.
Most patients find that their swelling and other symptoms subside significantly by the second or third day, and they feel ready to resume their normal school or work activities. While you will want to stick to soft foods and liquids at first, you should be able to gradually transition back to a normal diet within a week or so.
All aftercare instructions are provided before you are discharged, but if any questions or concerns ever arise, our team is accessible around the clock.
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Offering Wisdom Teeth Removal for Residents of Ann Arbor, MI
Our practice has significant skill and experience with safely and successfully removing wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal can be an important investment in your long-term oral health, and if you have any questions, we invite you to contact our Saline, MI office directly. Schedule a consultation with Saline Oral Facial & Dental Implant Surgery at (734) 547-6003.