Wisdom Teeth Removal – Overview
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Wisdom teeth can be troublesome – if you’re in Vancouver and you need them removed, Dr. Bowyer can help. These teeth often erupt during your teenage years, or remain impacted and invisible within your gums. Wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean, and can end up with advanced decay as a result. These teeth can also cause crowding within the jaw and can move other teeth out of alignment, causing severe pain and swelling.
Most people have their wisdom teeth removed in their teens or early 20s, but it’s not uncommon for older adults to undergo this procedure. It’s best to do this earlier in life, before more damage occurs to adjacent teeth.
How Can I Tell If I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you’re experiencing pain or swelling near the back of your jaw, this could indicate that your wisdom teeth are impacted and may need to be removed. Some more serious indicators include repeated infections in the soft tissue behind your back teeth, cysts, tumors, or extensive tooth decay in your molars. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowyer right away to see if your wisdom teeth might be the cause.
What Should I Expect When Getting My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a serious procedure, so the process starts with an evaluation with Dr. Bowyer. During this evaluation, he’ll go over any health problems you have, discuss your dental history, and explain the wisdom teeth removal process so you can make plans for before and after the procedure.
Since wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, anesthesia is required. Most wisdom teeth procedures involve general anesthesia (where you are unconscious during the procedure), but some less severe cases can be handled with a local anesthetic where the procedure area is numb and you are still conscious. Regardless of which anesthetic is used during the procedure, you should arrange for a friend or family member to transport you to and from your appointment.
During the procedure, an oral surgeon will remove one or more of your wisdom teeth and add sutures to the gum where the wisdom teeth once were. The surgical area will need to be kept clean for several days – your dental practitioner will give you specific instructions on post-surgery care.
Most patients experience discomfort for three or so days after a wisdom teeth removal. This pain can be mitigated with medication, ice packs, or moist heat. During your recovery, you’ll need to stick to soft foods, straws, smoking, and other foods or behaviors that might damage your mouth. Follow your dentist’s instructions, and you should feel better in no time.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the number of teeth you need to have removed, and what type of anesthetic is used during the procedure. Ask your dentist for a more accurate cost estimate when you discuss your treatment plan.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bowyer to see if wisdom teeth removal is right for you. You can call us at (360) 253-2640, email us at info@drbowyer.com, or use the form on this page to request a free consultation.
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