Most people do not have large enough mouths to accommodate four extra teeth, which is why wisdom teeth removal is such a common procedure performed in our office in Federal Way, WA. The average mouth only has enough space to house 28 teeth, which only accounts for your teeth up to your second set of molars. Your third molars, more commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, must be removed because they can cause a host of oral health problems if they grow into a mouth that is too small to hold them.
At Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our oral surgeons recommend undergoing wisdom teeth removal at an early age. Wisdom teeth begin growing in anywhere from the mid to late teens, though most people won’t notice their growth this early. It’s important to continue visiting the dentist regularly because dentists are trained to detect signs of wisdom teeth growth before they start causing trouble. When you’re referred to our Federal Way, WA, office for wisdom teeth removal, we will examine your condition and determine the best plan for extraction. If you’re unsure about whether you need wisdom teeth removed, please contact our office.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
When a mouth is too small to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become stuck, or impacted, beneath the gums or grow in at an angle and cause a variety of problems for your mouth, jaws, and overall health. The most common issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth include the following:
- Infections
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Cysts and tumors
- Adjacent tooth damage
- Dental crowding
- Tooth misalignment
- Bone Loss
- Pain and tenderness
In most cases, patients will not feel wisdom teeth growing in until it is too late and they have already caused some sort of noticeable damage to the mouth. Regularly visiting your dentist ensures that they detect the presence of your wisdom teeth before pain or other problems arise.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Each wisdom teeth removal differs based on the needs, preferences, and condition of the patient. At Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Federal Way, WA, our personalized treatment plans are tailored to fit each patient’s unique situation. We want to ensure that you are comfortable with your treatment when you undergo your procedure. Typically, the process will begin with your consultation appointment.
At the initial consultation, we will review your health history, thoroughly examine the current position of your wisdom teeth, and take any necessary X-rays and 3D scans. These high-definition images help us see the relation of your wisdom teeth to the other structures in your mouth and map out the best plan for removal. With these images, we are able to eliminate any surprises or complications that may have arisen during surgery had we not been able to see a complete 3D view of your mouth and jaws. Once all images have been taken, we will discuss your options for treatment and sedation with you. Most patients choose to undergo IV anesthesia, which allows them to sleep comfortably during the procedure and wake up once it’s over.
Your next appointment will be your wisdom teeth removal. Before you undergo the surgery, you will have one last chance to have any of your questions answered by your oral surgeon. It’s a great time to have anything clarified from the post-operative instructions given to you at your first visit. After you are prepared and comfortable, we will administer your form of anesthesia. Once you are sedated, we will begin the procedure. Your oral surgeon will cut into your gums and remove any bone blocking the teeth. Then he will remove the wisdom teeth, possibly breaking them into smaller pieces to make the process easier. He will then suture the surgical sites and slowly wake you up. Following removal, it’s important to follow all steps in your post-operative instructions closely to ensure you heal properly and recover comfortably.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Federal Way, WA
Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Federal Way, WA, is proud to offer high-quality wisdom teeth removals. If you are unsure about whether or not you need your wisdom teeth removed, we encourage you to visit our office for a consultation. You can contact us by phone or by filling out our contact form, and we will be happy to speak with you.
Stem Cell Banking with Stemodontics®
Wisdom teeth contain many stem cells, which can differentiate into different types of cells in the body. After your wisdom teeth are removed, baking these stem cells with Stemodontics means that you get peace of mind when it comes to protecting yourself against future health crises. Schedule an appointment to discuss stem cell banking with your oral surgeon today and learn how Stemodontics can benefit you.
Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
2345 SW 320th St
Federal Way, WA 98023
Phone: (253) 838-2123