3rd molars, or ‘Wisdom’ teeth as they are called, are the last molars to develop in your mouth. Normally a person will start to see the wisdom teeth appear behind the upper and lower second, or 12-year, molars between the ages of 17 and 25.
Most people only develop four wisdom teeth, or 3rd molars. Some people may develop more or less wisdom teeth, all depending on the individual.
They are referred to as ‘wisdom’ teeth because they erupt during young adulthood, or during the ‘Age of Wisdom’ according to 19th century dentists who coined the term.
A tooth is considered to be impacted if it is unable to erupt from the gum-line into the mouth. This causes the tooth to grow on an angle towards the other molars and their roots. Not all wisdom teeth are impacted, and not impacted teeth are wisdom teeth, but it’s important to have these teeth removed if they are impacted due to the damage they can do to the rest of your teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and can contribute to a variety of problems, including:
Typically, most people learn they need wisdom teeth removal from their dentist, who will refer you to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal surgery. However, you may experience an onset of jaw pain or gum swelling that will indicate the need for an extraction. You can call us directly and schedule an appointment without a dentist referral. Patients are typically evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Dolan, Silloway, Park, Theberge, Ramsey, Robertson, Liu, Baker and Hur can determine and evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and envision if there are current problems or the possibility of future problems exists. It is important that early evaluation and treatment occurs in order to provide the best possible outcome for the patient.
Before the start of your surgery, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the procedure with you so that you will know what to expect. The relative ease with which a wisdom tooth may be removed depends on several conditions, including root development, level of impaction, and position of the tooth. A wisdom tooth that is more impacted will require a more complicated surgical procedure rather than a wisdom tooth that is not impacted.
A simple non-impacted wisdom tooth removal can take as little as 15 minutes in the chair. An impacted tooth can take longer, depending on the severity of the impaction.
Wisdom teeth can be removed using local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the anesthetic option that is best for you prior to your surgical procedure.
Depending on the anesthesia you chose, you may feel dizzy and/or drowsy for a short while afterwards.
We strongly recommend having someone come with you on the day of your appointment so that you do not have to drive home. Please remember to take care of any billing or paperwork before your surgery so that you do not have to worry about it afterwards.
After your wisdom teeth are removed you will rest in the office for a period of time so your surgeon and assistant can monitor your condition. Normal symptoms of the healing process include swelling, mild discomfort, and light bleeding. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully as dry socket can occur.
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Practicing the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom teeth removal to corrective & reconstructive jaw surgery. Fairfax Oral Surgery proudly serves Alexandria, Fairfax, Centreville, Burke, Reston, Woodbridge and the Counties of Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun, as well as the City of Alexandria and the rest of the Northern Virginia Area.