What is Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Wisdom teeth are typically the last to erupt within the mouth. Some of us are unaffected by their presence, while others develop painful conditions that require immediate extraction performed by Dr. Micheal Williams.

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The Procedure

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL?

Wisdom tooth removal is an extremely common outpatient procedure. You may benefit from extraction if your wisdom teeth:

Have erupted in an abnormal position
Are impacted below the gum line
Have developed an infection
Have caused jaw misalignment

It is best to remove impacted or un-erupted wisdom teeth between the ages of 15-25.Your surgeon will be able to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed following an oral and radiographic exam.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

Wisdom tooth removal is generally performed under sedation with a local anesthetic. Your surgeon will begin by removing the gum tissue surrounding your wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, an incision will be made into the gum tissue to access the tooth. A high-speed hand piece is sometimes necessary to drill through bone that may be covering impacted wisdom teeth.

Once your wisdom teeth are visible, your surgeon will gently loosen each tooth from its socket, using specialized tools. In some cases, your teeth will need to be extracted in small sections to minimize the amount of bone that needs to be removed. Following removal, dissolvable sutures will be used to close incisions.

AFTER YOUR WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

For the first several days following surgery, you may experience some pain and facial swelling. Pain medication may be used to alleviate your discomfort. Normal dental hygiene routines can be resumed right away, but it is important to avoid brushing the treatment area. Most patients are able to participate in normal activities within a few days, but complete healing may take several months.

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View Before and Afters

Why I recommend him: He is very good at educating and answering questions. He does a thorough investigation. He spends an appropriate amount of time with you. He responds to emails through the patient portal promptly. However, he does book out probably 4 weeks out for follow-ups.

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I was referred to Dr. Williams on the recommendation of a surgeon I would meet later. Williams was step #1 to a surgery. After surgery I was returned to Dr. Williams. I have been going to him ever since (over five years now). I am more than grateful to him and his support group. Every detail is covered well in visits, always easy to schedule, and on time. Insurance codes are always...

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UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

All surgical procedures present a degree of risk and uncertainty. These risks will be discussed in depth during the consultation process. Some risks may include bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, dry socket and paresthesia (nerve damage).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent problems such as impaction, crowding, and infection. They may not have enough space to properly emerge, leading to pain and other complications.

At what age should I consider removing my wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens before they cause issues or discomfort to a person. However, the timing can vary for each individual.

Do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. It depends on factors such as the size of the jaw, the angle of eruption, and whether they are causing problems.

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel pain. However, some people might still feel discomfort and swelling during the recovery period.

Is there any complications when you have wisdom tooth removal?

Yes, possible complications include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, and swelling. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks and provide post-operative care instructions.

Can I go back to work or school immediately after the procedure?

Taking a day or two off is advisable to rest and recover. Physical activity should be limited during the initial days after the surgery.

How should I care for my mouth after wisdom tooth removal?

Follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed medications, using ice packs, and avoiding certain foods and activities.

Can I eat normally after the procedure?

Initially, you may need to stick to a soft diet. As you get better, you can slowly reintroduce solid foods. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods during the first few days.

How long does it take for the swelling to go down after wisdom tooth removal?

Swelling usually peaks within the first 48 hours and gradually decreases over the next few days. Consider applying ice packs during the first 24 hours to help minimize swelling.

What should I do if I experience excessive bleeding or severe pain after the procedure?

Contact your oral surgeon immediately. While some discomfort and mild bleeding are normal, persistent or severe symptoms may require prompt attention.

Will my face be swollen after the surgery?

Swelling is common after wisdom tooth removal, but it varies among individuals. Using ice packs and following post-operative care instructions can help minimize swelling.

IF YOU’RE READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Contact us to schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth removal. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss details such as the cost and expected recovery time.

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Your Wisdom Teeth Removal procedure will be performed in Dr. Williams's surgery center in Germantown, TN.

CALL (901) 348 - 0777