Wisdom Teeth

The removal of wisdom teeth can typically be done right here in our office, performed under general anesthesia to maximize patient comfort!  Our goal is to provide you an easy, comfortable experience and assist you thoroughly during your visit!  Did you know that with some medical plans, your wisdom teeth removal may be covered entirely, without any out-of-pocket expense to you?  We are always taking new patients so call our office today!

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and/ or  x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Krause can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Krause has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia,  for patients to enhance their complete comfort during their treatment.  Our goal is to provide you with the most comfort during your visit and to assist you in promoting a speedy recovery!

Removal

In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under general anesthesia, to provide the most comfortable experience for you!   These options, as well as any potential surgical risks, will be discussed with you during your consultation,  before the procedure is performed.  Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Westerville Office Phone Number 614-895-7429.  We are always available to assist you with questions, or to assist with any medication changes to enhance your healing and comfort!  

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, with sterilization and cleaning techniques and standards that are unsurpassed.  We  utilize modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.  All staff have certification in CPR and professional on-going continuing education, to insure excellence in the most current practices in medical and dental standards of care!