Wisdom Teeth Removal in Poulsbo, WA
Comfortable Third Molar Extraction to Protect Oral Health
The average adult will have 32 teeth, but there is typically only room for 28 teeth. These additional four teeth are called third molars, or wisdom teeth. Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. Because there is not enough room in the mouth, leaving them untreated opens the door to many oral health problems.
Our team of oral surgeons will create a treatment plan custom to your needs. We use advanced technology to evaluate wisdom teeth and offer anesthesia options for your comfort. If you or your child have third molars, contact Kitsap Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery in Poulsbo, WA, for an appointment with Dr. Sukhdeep Dhaliwal, Dr. Paul Greenawalt, Dr. Thomas Curran, and Dr. Douglas Baasch.
Why Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?
Wisdom teeth often erupt between the ages of 14 and 18. Some people develop all four molars, while others develop more or less than four, or none at all. It's possible for a wisdom tooth to erupt properly, but this is rare. More often, wisdom teeth grow sideways or only partially erupt. Some wisdom teeth become trapped beneath the gums, known as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth must be surgically removed, as they will not naturally erupt.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can push against the adjacent molar and knock it out of alignment. This can also cause quite a bit of discomfort. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria. These teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of plaque build up and infection. By having an oral surgeon remove your wisdom teeth, you can avoid these problems and more, including:
- Jaw stiffness or swelling
- Pain and discomfort
- Chronic bad breath
- Tumors or cysts that form around impacted teeth
- Dental misalignment
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Damage to facial nerves
Many patients undergo wisdom teeth removal when these teeth first appear. Younger patients often have faster recoveries, but patients of any age can have wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
At the consultation, you will meet with one of our oral surgeons. We will take 3D scans of your teeth and discuss your options for anesthesia. We are qualified to administer many types of anesthesia and will help you select the right choice for your level of anxiety and comfort. Most patients undergo IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal. This form of sedation will put you into a sleep-like state and you will not feel discomfort.
On the day of surgery, we will administer the anesthesia and wait for it to take effect. Your oral surgeon will extract erupted wisdom teeth using forceps. If teeth are impacted, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access and extract these teeth. Sutures are placed if needed 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 Poulsbo, WA
The cost of having your wisdom teeth extracted in Poulsbo, WA, will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan. These details include how many wisdom teeth you have, your choice of anesthesia, your dental insurance, and the overall surgery. To find out how much it would cost to have your third molars removed, contact our office in Poulsbo, WA, for a cost estimate.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, my name is Maddie. I'm from Poulsbo, and I came to Kitsap OMS to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked into the practice, it was a very welcoming environment, and everyone greeted me with smiles. All the staff here is super wonderful. They're all really helpful, and they're very nice. The doctors here are great. They're really good at what they do, but also on top of that, they're just really friendly. So it's great care, but also human experience and human connection is really good. The procedure went really well. It was really smooth, and I recovered quickly. Now that my wisdom teeth are removed, it's better for my oral health. I had a great experience here. I would recommend Kitsap OMS to anyone and everyone. "
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.