Our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, understands that you may be feeling some anxiety about wisdom tooth removal. For this reason, Dr. Bandos wants to make sure you have all the information you need to move forward with confidence. That way, you’ll know what to expect on the day of your wisdom tooth extraction.
Here’s what you need to know.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
are your third molars that typically erupt during the late teens or early twenties. If you experience any pain or inflammation around your wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We’re here to help!
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Count as Oral Surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal can sometimes count as oral surgery. Whether or not you’ll need oral surgery to extract wisdom teeth will depend on the position of your wisdom teeth and whether they have already erupted through the gum line. For example, patients with often need surgical intervention before wisdom teeth erupt and push their other teeth out of place.
Is it Really Necessary to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
You may not need your wisdom teeth removed if they’re coming in straight and there’s enough room in your jaw. However, most people end up needing wisdom teeth extraction. Since wisdom teeth typically form in the jaw around age 12, we’ll be able to monitor the trajectory of your wisdom teeth long before they erupt so we can prevent problems.
Learn More: Is My Tooth Infected? →
Will I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
You may need the help of our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, if your wisdom teeth are impacted and stuck beneath the surface of your gums. Many patients simply don’t have the space in their jaws to accommodate extra teeth, which is why we may recommend wisdom teeth removal. That way, wisdom teeth won’t push adjacent teeth out of the way as they erupt and possibly ruin years of orthodontic work.
What Can I Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Our dentist may recommend oral surgery to correct issues affecting the structures in your jaw and mouth. Since each patient is different, it’s important to understand that your experience with wisdom teeth extraction may be different from those you know who’ve also undergone the procedure.
If your wisdom teeth have already erupted, you may only need a simple dental extraction. During this procedure, our dentist would give you local anesthesia to numb the tooth. She would then use special tools to lift and extract the wisdom teeth from their sockets.
If you need your wisdom teeth removed before they erupt, you’ll be put under IV sedation. While you won’t be entirely asleep during the wisdom teeth surgery, you won’t feel any pain. Most of our patients have little to no recollection of wisdom teeth extraction under IV sedation.
Schedule a Consultation for Wisdom Teeth
Dr. Katherine Bandos is proud to serve as a family dentist in Kalamazoo, MI. To schedule an appointment and learn if you need wisdom teeth extraction, please call Kalamazoo Smiles at (269) 353-3700. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
