WISDOM TEETH

Preventing Overcrowding Or Impaction

Early Evaluation & Treatment

Wisdom Teeth Extraction In
Newport News, VA

Each year in the United States, roughly 10 million wisdom teeth are removed. Because of how common this procedure is, many individuals may know that wisdom teeth removal is something they need to consider, but fewer know what these teeth are and why removing them is often necessary. At Oyster Point Oral and Facial Surgery, our team will help you determine if wisdom teeth extraction is right for you and walk you through the process every step of the way.

Wisdom Teeth

Walking You Through The Entire Process

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth, with 16 on the bottom row and the other 16 on the top. Each tooth has its own specific name and function in the mouth. The teeth in the front of the mouth, namely the incisors, canines and bicuspid teeth, grasp food and cut it into smaller pieces. The back teeth, also known as molars, then grind up the food until it is a consistency suitable for swallowing. 

However, while the average adult has all 32 teeth, the average mouth is only large enough to hold 28. When all 32 struggle to fit, it can lead to impaction and overcrowding. These four additional teeth are known as the Third Molars or, more commonly, the “wisdom teeth.”

Simple & Effective Solution

What To Expect

Before removing your wisdom teeth, you will need to meet with our team for a comprehensive oral examination. With a visual exam and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Lee can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and predict if there may be any existing or future problems. Early evaluation and treatment results in superior outcomes, so it’s important to schedule this appointment early. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teen years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

In most cases, wisdom teeth removal is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas or general anesthesia. Prior to your procedure, our team will discuss these options with you and choose the one that works best for your needs and comfort level. 

Depending on the location and level of impaction of your wisdom teeth, Dr. Lee will open the gums to reveal the wisdom teeth and gently remove them. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured closed to prevent bacteria from getting inside. 

After your procedure, bite down on the gauze provided to help control any bleeding. Our team will keep you under supervision for a short time until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, we will provide you with a post-operative kit including post-operative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, an appointment for a follow-up visit the following week and, if necessary, antibiotics. Click here for more general post-operative instructions.

Providing Effective Treatments

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth, which is a problem when the existing 28 teeth are already taking up most available space in the mouth. When they do finally erupt, usually anytime from adolescence onwards, they struggle to find a place where they can properly erupt. This often leads to overcrowding, impaction or growing sideways.

When the wisdom teeth are unable to erupt properly, they become stuck either fully or partially underneath the gums. This can cause a series of problems for your dental health. If a tooth is only partially erupted, the opening around the tooth becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can cause infection, resulting in swelling, pain, stiffness or illness.

Even if your wisdom teeth are fully below your gums, they may be moving around, trying to find a place to erupt. This can push around the surrounding teeth, disrupting the orthodontic or natural alignment of your smile. Even more serious is the possibility of tumors or cysts that form around the impacted tooth, destroying the jawbone and nearby healthy teeth. In any of these cases, the simplest and most effective solution is to remove these teeth.

It’s important to note that wisdom teeth do not always have to be removed. In some cases, the wisdom teeth are aligned perfectly and have the space to grow in through healthy gum tissue. In these instances, removing the teeth is unnecessary. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. At your visit with our team, we will do a thorough examination of your teeth and gums including X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If you do, don’t worry! Wisdom teeth extraction is a totally normal and straightforward procedure.

Passionate About Offering Exceptional Care

Request An Appointment

At Oyster Point Oral & Facial Surgery, we believe that patients deserve the best, and we work hard to provide exactly that to every patient who comes through our doors. Simply fill out the form below and our team will contact you to schedule your appointment at our office. We look forward to meeting you!

Location

11842 Rock Landing Drive
Suite 105
Newport News, VA 23606

Hours

Monday – Thursday
8:30 am– 5 pm

Friday
8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Contact

Call Us:
757-596-1200