Wisdom Teeth Removal – Idaho Falls, ID

Wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to develop and commonly reach full development by a patient’s early 20s. At Idaho Falls Oral & Facial Surgery, our oral surgeon specializes in extracting wisdom teeth and has years of training and experience. Not everybody needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but the best way to find out is to visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a consultation.

Our team in Idaho Falls, ID, can determine whether your wisdom teeth pose a risk to your oral health and if you need to have them removed. When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they cause problems for the rest of your teeth and other structures in the mouth. Wisdom teeth removal is a simple procedure that can prevent problems from arising and preserve your overall oral health.

Should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Everyone’s wisdom teeth develop at different rates and can appear at any age, from the early teens to the early 20s. Often, wisdom teeth don’t show any symptoms until they start causing problems. The best way to keep track of their growth is to visit your general dentist for routine cleanings. Your dentist is trained to look for signs of wisdom teeth growth and can recommend you to our oral surgery office when it’s time for your removal procedure. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common surgeries performed by Dr. Gregory McGee.

Wisdom Teeth Complications

You can dramatically lower your chances of oral infection, pain, and discomfort by consulting with an oral surgeon about the current stage of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth often pose a threat to the health of the rest of the mouth. It is important to be aware of these risks and remove wisdom teeth before they cause complications. Some of the risks involved with leaving the extra molars in place or waiting past the recommended time for extraction include the following:

• Dental crowding, especially around the bottom front teeth, is common when wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow in properly.
• Damage to neighboring teeth and their roots can cause pain and other problems.
• Tumors or even cysts can develop over time with molars that have already become impacted.
• The tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth can become infected if not examined and extracted in a timely fashion.

The only way to know if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed is to visit an expert for a consultation. Many inconsistencies surround the growth of wisdom teeth, including the number of teeth that develop and the age they begin erupting, which means that every treatment is different. Dr. Gregory McGee can thoroughly examine your mouth and discuss all the factors of treatment when you visit our office.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth removals are performed in our office daily. The length of your procedure depends on the number and the position of the teeth that your oral surgeon is removing. During your initial consultation, we will discuss and agree upon an anesthesia of your choosing to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Usually, a local numbing agent will be used to prevent pain around the surgical site. When all four wisdom teeth need to be taken out, you may choose to receive IV anesthesia, which allows you to fall into a sleep-like state and prevents any pain during the procedure. After administering the anesthesia, your surgeon will move the overlying gum and bone tissue aside and remove the tooth. Sometimes the tooth will be removed in pieces, which creates a smaller surgical site and easier removal. Finally, your surgeon will suture the area of surgery, and you will rest until your anesthetic wears off. If you received IV anesthesia, a responsible adult must drive you home and monitor you until the sedation has worn off.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Idaho Falls, ID

When you come in for a consultation at our practice in Idaho Falls, ID, Dr. McGee will help you determine whether extraction is right for you. If your wisdom teeth are growing into a problematic position, your surgeon will help form a plan for your removal procedure. For more information about impacted wisdom teeth and other wisdom teeth questions, please browse our website or give our office a call. One of our staff members will be happy to assist you with any questions.