Wisdom teeth removal is an incredibly common oral surgery procedure in Tampa, FL. The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Since all of the other permanent teeth are already in place, there is often little room at the back of the jaw for this third set of molars. They may erupt at an angle or not at all, increasing the risk for pain, discomfort, gum disease, and other issues. The surgeons at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts & Implant Centers recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent future oral health problems. We see patients from Westchase, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Lutz to help them have a healthy smile.
At What Age Should We Have Our Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Generally, wisdom teeth will start entering the smile when a patient is between the ages of 12 and 15. Your dentist will start monitoring the development of your wisdom teeth during this time of your life to determine if you need removal. If you do, then removal is recommended while you are still in your teens or early 20s because the teeth and root structure are still forming. This development means the bone is more forgiving, giving you a low risk for complications. That risk for complications only increases as you age.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
There are numerous issues that may lead to wisdom teeth removal. Monitoring of these teeth for problems typically begins between the ages of 12 and 15.
Teeth fail to fully erupt through the gum and become impacted.
Wisdom teeth only partially emerge, making proper brushing and flossing difficult.
Gums are red or swollen due to infection (pericoronitis) around the impacted tooth.
Teeth grow in at an angle, putting pressure on adjacent teeth.
Cysts develop near wisdom teeth, causing pain, tooth damage, or bone deterioration.
There is no room in the jaw to accomodate one to four additional teeth.
Wisdom teeth crowd existing teeth pushing them out of place.
Do You Really Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Being proactive about having wisdom teeth removed at the first sign of problems can be advantageous. Putting off oral surgery can lead to complications and more serious dental issues. If teeth continue growing at the wrong angle, they can cause crowding of existing teeth, leading to mouth pain and crooked teeth that may require orthodontics to correct. When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt through the gums, food and other debris can become trapped and increase the risk of infection, tooth decay, and gum disease. Wisdom teeth removal can allow you to chew, speak, and smile more comfortably.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Explained
Wisdom teeth that have formed but have not erupted through the gums are known as impacted. They are trapped beneath the gums either due to lack of adequate space or the angle at which they are growing in. If only part of the tooth breaks through the gum, it is partially impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth pain and lead to damage of adjacent teeth or the jaw bone. There is a greater risk of infection and the development of cysts as well because of their position beneath the gums and the difficulty of cleaning partially erupted teeth.
What do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Look Like (X-Ray)
Dental professionals use x-rays to clearly view the wisdom teeth. Healthy teeth emerge vertically, whereas impacted teeth may appear to be growing in at an angle or on their side beneath the gums. Using x-rays, oral surgeons can determine whether there is enough room for the wisdom teeth, or if they will cause crowding.
Prevent Future Dental Problems
Even if impacted wisdom teeth are asymptomatic and not causing problems now, they may create issues in the future as they continue to develop. As the root structure deepens and strengthens, delayed removal may affect the sensory nerve that runs along the lower jaw, or interfere with the sinuses in the upper jaw. Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean because of their position at the very back of the mouth.
Third Molar Extraction (Soft Tissue Impaction)
Third Molar Extraction (Partial Boney Impaction)
Third Molar Extraction (Full Boney Impaction)
About Our Practice
The oral surgeon at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts & Implant Centers excel at monitoring wisdom teeth and detecting potential problems before they become more serious. We work with patients of all ages to develop an effective treatment plan when tooth extraction is recommended to optimize function, aesthetics, and comfort. Contact us today to learn more!
Should I Have All of My Wisdom Teeth Taken Out at Once?
If you are going to undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery, it is easier to have them all extracted at once. Not only can this prevent future problems with currently asymptomatic teeth, but it allows you to only have one surgery and recovery rather than multiple procedures.
Prevent Future Dental Problems
Even if impacted wisdom teeth are asymptomatic and not causing problems now, they may create issues in the future as they continue to develop. As the root structure deepens and strengthens, delayed removal may affect the sensory nerve that runs along the lower jaw, or interfere with the sinuses in the upper jaw. Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean because of their position at the very back of the mouth.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Several factors can impact the cost of wisdom teeth removal, including the number of teeth being removed, the complexity of the surgery, any pre- or post-operative exams or procedures, the type of anesthesia, and any medications needed. Whether or not you have dental insurance and the level of coverage can also affect pricing. The oral surgeon can provide you with a more accurate quote following your consultation.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth extraction either in full or in part, depending on your individual policy. At MOSAIC, we work with you to maximize reimbursement for covered procedures and offer financing options to help offset out-of-pocket expenses.
What to Expect for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Our oral surgeons strive to make wisdom teeth removal as comfortable and painless of a procedure as possible, ensuring that you understand each step.
Preparing for the Procedure
An oral examination is performed, and x-rays are taken to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and create a plan to safely remove them. Prior to surgery, you should refrain from eating or drinking for at least six hours. Dress comfortably and wear short sleeves if you are receiving anesthesia.
Anesthesia Options
Depending on your preferences, there are different types of anesthesia available to keep you comfortable and minimize any pain or discomfort.
- IV Sedation: Sedation can be administered intravenously so that you can continue breathing on your own but be unaware during the procedure and feel no pain or pressure.
- Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic will be injected into the gums around your wisdom teeth to numb the area and prevent nerve pain.
During the Procedure
Once the anesthesia is administered, the oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum to access the tooth and bone. The wisdom tooth will be extracted as a whole, or sectioned into smaller pieces. The tooth socket and surrounding areas will be cleaned, and dissolvable stitches may be placed to close the incision site. The site will be packed with gauze to help manage any bleeding.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Depending on the number of wisdom teeth removed and whether they are impacted, surgery generally takes between 45 and 60 minutes. You can expect the entire procedure to take around 90 minutes from the time anesthesia is administered until you are in recovery.
Does Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out Hurt?
Between the local anesthetic and sedation, you should not feel any pain during surgery. You may feel some pressure as the tooth is removed, but it should not hurt. If you do experience break through pain, let the surgeon know, and they can adjust the anesthesia.
Immediately After the Procedure
Following surgery, you will remain at the office for a short time until you are awake and alert, and any bleeding is under control. You should still be pain-free as the anesthesia typically lasts for about 24 hours. The surgeon will check the extraction site, and then you will be released.
How Long Are You Loopy After the Procedure?
The effects of the anesthesia can take a few minutes to several hours to wear off. Nitrous oxide wears off relatively quickly, whereas conscious sedation can take six hours or more. You may feel euphoric, silly, emotional, tired, or nauseous during this time, but it will gradually improve.
Have a Ride Home
Because anesthesia alters your consciousness, slows your reflexes, and impairs your decision-making, you will not be permitted to drive yourself following surgery. You will want to arrange to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you until the anesthesia has worn off.
Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure – The Process
The actual wisdom teeth removal process is fairly quick, but you will want to prepare for several days to fully recover.
What is the Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Time? How Long to Heal?
On average, it takes between four to seven days to recover from wisdom teeth removal, but it will take several weeks for the surgical site to fully heal. You will want to avoid strenuous activity such as high-impact exercise for at least a week, but you can resume many of your daily activities within two or three days. If you received stitches, they should dissolve on their own within three to five days.
How Long Should I Expect to Be Out of Work or School?
Plan to take at least three to four days off after surgery. It can be beneficial to schedule surgery for a Thursday or Friday so that you can take the weekend to rest and recover without missing as much school or work. You should feel well enough to return by Monday morning.
How Long Does the Pain Last After Having My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The anesthesia should help you remain pain-free for about 24 hours. As it wears off, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply an ice pack to your cheek to help alleviate swelling and discomfort. Any pain should improve each day, and you should be feeling back to normal in three to four days.
Wisdom Teeth Removal and Eating Food
A major concern that many patients have is what they can eat after wisdom teeth removal surgery, and when they can return to their normal diet.
How Long After Removal Can I Eat?
After surgery, you should follow a liquid or very soft food diet for the first two days. Drink from a glass rather than using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Chew away from the extraction site to avoid disrupting the healing process.
What Foods Can I Eat After Having My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Your mouth and gums will be sore and swollen after surgery, so focus on eating foods that are very soft and do not require much chewing. Avoid dairy products immediately after anesthesia as they can increase nausea. After three or four days, you can begin adding more solid foods to your diet.
List of Soft Foods to Eat After Removal
- Broth
- Blended soups
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled Eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Well-steamed vegetables
- Very soft pasta
- Avocado
- Salmon
When Can I Eat Normally After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You can begin incorporating more solid foods after three to four days, but continue to refrain from eating foods that are hard, crunchy, crumbly, grainy, or sticky until the incision sites have healed. This can take two weeks or so. If certain foods cause pain, choose something softer.
Tampa’s Skilled Oral Surgeons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery
If you or your child are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth and want to know whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary, schedule a consultation at MOSAIC. Our oral surgeons are ready to meet all your oral surgery needs, from the examination to the procedure itself and the recovery process afterward.
We have offices conveniently located throughout Tampa, FL to meet all your oral surgery needs. Contact us for a consultation. Call or schedule online with our New Port Richey location, our Clearwater location, our Westchase location, and our Lutz location today.
