Wisdom Tooth Removals - Royal Oak, MI
Wisdom Tooth Removal
from the Experts
Predicting Problems, Ensuring Prevention
Around the age of 12, most adults have two complete sets of molars. Between 16 and 20 years old, a third set of molars, known as wisdom teeth, typically emerge. Ideally, these teeth would come in smoothly, but this isn’t always the case. Wisdom teeth often pose issues because they don’t have enough space to erupt fully. They can become impacted and stuck in the jawbone, leading to potential jaw damage.
The pressure from wisdom teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift or crowd and damage nearby nerves and roots. In severe cases, wisdom teeth can result in cysts or infections, significantly impacting overall health. Even if wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems yet, early assessment during their development can predict future issues. This proactive approach allows for removing wisdom teeth before they cause damage, preventing potentially serious complications.
Warning Signs of Wisdom Tooth Problems
- Swollen, red gums around back molars
- Persistent tooth pain in the molars
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Stiffness and pain in the jaw
- Persistent, frequent, or unexplained earache or headache
- Blood or pus near your molar
- Swollen jaw or cheeks
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or opening and closing normally
Your Guide to Wisdom Tooth Removal
We understand that wisdom tooth removal often represents a patient’s initial encounter with oral surgery. This common procedure targets the extraction of third molars located at the back of the mouth. Here’s an overview of what to expect during our process:
Consultation
During your consultation with our team, we will conduct a comprehensive mouth examination and obtain digital X-rays. This thorough assessment allows us to evaluate the position and complexity of your wisdom tooth extraction.
These diagnostic steps ensure we understand your specific needs and can plan the procedure accordingly. Our goal is to provide personalized care and ensure a successful outcome for your wisdom tooth removal.
The Extraction
To access the wisdom tooth, we will carefully make an incision in the gum tissue and, if needed, remove some surrounding bone or divide the tooth into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Typically, we remove all four wisdom teeth in one session to optimize healing. Even if not all four teeth require extraction, we aim to remove the necessary ones on the same day for efficient treatment. Sometimes, we may use a sectioning technique to enhance control during the procedure.
Recovery
To manage swelling, we will provide you with an ice pack. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions, explaining how to care for the extraction site to facilitate healing. If necessary, we will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. It’s essential to complete the entire course of prescribed medication, even if you start feeling better.
Our Expertise Matters
Dr. Chady ElHage, Dr. Omar El-Banhawy, and Dr. Andrew Afshar specialize in extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, and perform these procedures routinely. With their extensive training and experience, you can expect a swift and comfortable recovery from your dental extraction. Our friendly staff will ensure you receive comprehensive aftercare instructions to minimize post-operative complications.
Our team is highly skilled in offering various anesthesia options in Royal Oak, MI, and Farmington Hills, MI, including intravenous sedation for patients seeking a sleep-like experience during the procedure and oral sedation. Dr. Afshar provides world-class expertise as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgical tooth removal or dental emergencies. Choose the best for your dental needs—don’t settle for less.