Wisdom Teeth Removal Vancouver, WA

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure in Vancouver, WA. There often isn’t enough room for third molars to grow without damaging nearby teeth, gums, or bone. They are some of the largest teeth in the mouth, and most people’s jaws are not large enough to accommodate them. The average mouth is equipped to hold 28 teeth, so an extra set of molars trying to squeeze in can cause complications.

Wisdom teeth typically begin developing around the age of 17 or during the early twenties. The board-certified oral surgeons at Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts at removing wisdom teeth at our office near Vancouver in Camas, WA.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Whereas the teeth in the front of the mouth, like bicuspid teeth, incisors, canines, grasp food and provide value to the mouth with their chewing abilities, third molars are unnecessary for proper oral function. Our diets simply don’t require their added grinding power. Removing them prevents damage to your other teeth and prevents associated problems from having the chance to arise. They don’t always have to be taken out, but when they become impacted or infected, they can pose a threat to your oral health. If this is the case, you will likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has become trapped beneath the gum tissue. It will not emerge on its own and must be surgically intervened. An impacted tooth is difficult to clean, often leading to infections, cysts, or tumors. These issues can progress to more serious gum disease or damage to neighboring teeth. A wisdom tooth’s root is large and can damage other nearby roots or nerves.

Most dental professionals recommend having third molars removed as soon as possible. Everyone’s teeth develop at different rates, so there is no single set age. You can have wisdom teeth removed at any age, although younger patients often have easier surgeries and recoveries. Be sure to attend dental checkups with your general dentist, who will refer you to an oral surgeon when it’s time to have these teeth extracted.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery

Removals often occur before the molars have fully emerged from the gums. Your oral surgeon will review your X-rays and likely take additional 3D scans before designing your treatment plan. This will all take place during a consultation appointment, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Lieblick or Dr. Rehrer, ask questions about your procedure, and learn about anesthesia options.

During surgery, your oral surgeon will administer your anesthesia, which prevents any pain during the procedure. Most patients undergo IV sedation, which allows you to sleep comfortably during the surgery. The procedure usually lasts no more than a couple of hours. Once your anesthetic is administered, your surgeon will extract your third molars and place any necessary sutures. You will rest until the anesthetic wears off, and then your prearranged driver will take you home and remain with you for 24 hours.

Most patients need just a couple of days to rest and recover before returning to their normal schedules, although you will have to follow certain instructions to keep your surgical sites clean while they heal. Your surgeon will discuss these instructions during your first visit.

Stem Cell Banking with Stemodontics^®

Your wisdom teeth contain many stem cells, which can be stored in a laboratory after your wisdom teeth are removed. By banking stem cells with Stemodontics, you are given peace of mind when it comes to future health crises because these important cells can differentiate into different types of cells in the body. Ask your oral surgeon today or visit the Stemodontics^® website to learn about how stem cell banking can benefit you.