Wisdom Teeth Removal in Port Orchard, WA
Prevent Problems by Having Third Molars Extracted
The average mouth has room for 28 adult teeth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are an additional set of molars that develop between the ages of 14 and 18. Since there is not enough room in the mouth for these extra teeth, dentists and oral surgeons recommend having them extracted.
At Kitsap Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, Dr. Sukhdeep Dhaliwal, Dr. Paul Greenawalt, Dr. Thomas Curran, and Dr. Douglas Baasch are oral and maxillofacial surgery experts. We use advanced imaging technology to closely examine third molars and create a custom treatment plan for every patient. Learn more about wisdom teeth or schedule a consultation for you or your child by contacting our office in Port Orchard, WA.
Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Because there is not enough room in the mouth for an extra set of molars, they can cause numerous problems if left untreated. Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment as they try to make room. Some wisdom teeth fully emerge into the dental arch, while others partially erupt or remain trapped beneath the gum tissue.
An impacted wisdom tooth, or one that is trapped beneath the gums, must be surgically removed because it will not naturally erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to other teeth and nearby soft tissues because they grow sideways.
There is no normal amount of wisdom teeth. Some people develop between one and four, more than four, or none at all. At your regular dental checkups, your dentist checks for wisdom teeth. If any are detected, he or she will refer you to an oral surgeon for treatment. If you leave wisdom teeth untreated, you leave the door open for many oral health issues to arise, such as:
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Chronic bad breath
- Teeth misalignment
- Facial nerve damage
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Tumors and cysts
- Jaw swelling and stiffness
Most patients have wisdom teeth removed during the late teens or early twenties. This is an ideal time because the third molars have not yet fully developed. However, our oral surgeons can extract wisdom teeth for patients of any age.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
During your first visit with one of our oral surgeons, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and face and help you select the right type of anesthesia. Most patients undergo local anesthesia combined with IV sedation, which allows you to rest in a sleep-like state unable to feel pain during the procedure. When undergoing IV sedation, a responsible adult must drive you home after surgery and remain with you for 24 hours.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will begin the extraction procedure. Erupted third molars will be removed with forceps, similar to a general tooth extraction. An elevator may be used to help lift up the tooth to make extraction easier. For impacted wisdom teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gums to access and remove the teeth. We will place sutures and you will rest until we feel you are ready to go home.
Types of Anesthesia
Our practice offers many types of anesthesia and sedation for your comfort.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Port Orchard, WA
The cost of having wisdom teeth extracted varies for every patient. Different factors are taken into consideration, including the number of wisdom teeth, the choice of anesthesia, your dental insurance, and the complexity of the surgery overall. We provide a cost estimate for your oral surgery treatment at the consultation. Contact us in Port Orchard to find out how much it would cost for our oral surgeons to remove your wisdom teeth.Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi, I’m Aaron from Poulsbo. My son and daughter have had wisdom teeth extraction and orthognathic surgery. The staff at Kitsap OMS have always been very helpful, friendly, and accommodating. The doctor has always been great at explaining procedures at a level that both myself and my children can understand. Both of my kids’ procedures went extremely well. My children have both felt great about the results. I sense an increased confidence, especially in my daughter. It’s just really wonderful to see her happy with her appearance. For all my friends in Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, and Kingston, I’d happily recommend Kitsap OMS."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the third day after wisdom teeth removal the worst?
Some swelling and discomfort can be expected with any type of surgical procedure. Around the third day after having wisdom teeth removed, swelling typically peaks. After this, it will begin to subside. You can manage swelling by using ice packs immediately after surgery for up to 48 hours, keeping your head elevated, and following your post-operative instructions.
Should I get two or four wisdom teeth removed?
You should have all wisdom teeth extracted at the same time. Wisdom teeth will often need to be removed at some point. Having them removed in one surgical visit will save you time and money, and prevent the risks associated with third molars.
How safe is wisdom teeth removal surgery?
Oral surgeons undergo many additional years of training in order to safely perform surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth removal. Oral surgeons are trained to administer anesthesia, monitor patients during surgery, and are more qualified to manage oral and maxillofacial conditions. Wisdom teeth removal is a safe and regularly performed oral surgery procedure.
What happens if you wait too long to get wisdom teeth out?
If left untreated, wisdom teeth will become more firmly embedded into the jaw bone as they develop. This can make future extraction more difficult. Some wisdom teeth do not cause pain, but still may be causing oral health issues. A wisdom tooth's root may grow in the direction of a nerve, which can be painful if the nerve is struck. This issue and others can be avoided entirely by having the third molars removed early.
Expert Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Care
Our surgeons have provided exceptional care to patients in Kitsap County for over three decades. At each of our locations, you and your family can expect to be treated with compassion and honesty every step of the way.