Wisdom Teeth Removal in Oro Valley, AZ
Alleviate Pain and Protect Oral Health
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last molars that grow in the very back of the mouth. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, which finish growing in between ages 17 and 25. The average mouth does not have room for an extra set of molars. This is why dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible.
Dr. Robert Wood, Dr. Nicholas Coles, Dr. Negin Saghafi, and Dr. Holbrook extract wisdom teeth at our office in Oro Valley, AZ. As skilled oral surgeons, we offer many anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort. By having third molars removed, you prevent many oral health conditions from occurring. Contact Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for an appointment if you or your child need wisdom teeth removed.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If wisdom teeth are fully erupted and positioned properly, they may not need to be removed. However, this is rare. In most cases, the jaws are too small for the extra molars and wisdom tooth removal is necessary.
Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue. An impacted wisdom tooth will not naturally erupt and must be surgically removed. If a tooth is partially impacted, or poking through the gum tissue, it becomes a magnet for bacteria. By leaving wisdom teeth untreated, you become susceptible to many oral health issues including:
- Infections around the tooth and gum tissue, which can spread to healthy teeth
- Pain and swelling
- Dental overcrowding
- Misalignment of your teeth caused by wisdom teeth that grow sideways and push against adjacent molars
- The formation of cysts or tumors
- Chronic bad breath caused by infection
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
You can avoid these problems by having wisdom teeth extracted by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Contact Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons today if it's time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth taken out.
When Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?
The right time for removal depends on the development stage of the teeth. Third molars begin developing during the late teens or early twenties, and this is when dental experts recommend having them removed. Early extraction leads to an easier surgical procedure and a faster recovery. However, you can have wisdom teeth extracted at any age.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
During your first visit to our practice, you will meet with one of our oral surgeons. We will take 3D scans of your mouth, discuss anesthesia options, and answer your questions regarding your oral and maxillofacial surgery procedure. You will return on a later date for the surgical procedure.
IV sedation is used for most wisdom tooth extractions. This requires a responsible adult to drive you to and from surgery and remain in the office during the procedure. When you arrive for your procedure, we will administer the anesthesia. Once it takes effect, your surgeon will remove erupted wisdom teeth using forceps.
For impacted teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gums to access and remove the tooth. Sometimes the wisdom teeth will be sectioned into smaller pieces for removal. Once the teeth are removed, the surgical sites will be sutured and you will rest until your anesthesia wears off. Your designated driver will take you home and should monitor you for 24 hours.
Eat soft foods for a few days after surgery. The surgical sites will have to remain clean while they heal over the next couple of weeks. Most patients find that they can return to their normal schedules after just a couple days of rest. You should not smoke or use a straw for one week. The suction could dislodge the blood clot within the tooth socket, resulting in a dry socket. If you have questions during recovery, contact our office. A member of our staff will be happy to help.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies for every patient. Several items factor into the total cost, including the number of wisdom teeth, dental insurance, anesthesia, and the overall complexity of the procedure. During the consultation, we will provide you with a cost estimate of your wisdom teeth removal procedure.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer a variety of anesthesia choices to ensure a comfortable oral surgery experience.
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
"I came to AZOMS to get my wisdom teeth out. I had been trying, well, meaning to get it taken care of for years, but I was just always afraid of the dentist and getting surgery. I was so nervous, but it was just a really easy procedure. I was surprised. You can tell that the nurses are very caring as soon as you walk in. They let me ask any of the questions that I had, made sure I completely understood. Oh, Dr. Wood is so nice. He comes in with a smile. He’s very gentle with his conversation and process when he’s describing it to you, making sure that you feel comfortable. Come see Dr. Wood at Arizona Oral Surgeons. You won’t be disappointed."
"I came here for surgery because I had an extra little wisdom tooth. They basically told me that I need to get them taken out so that I am able to have my teeth be as straight as possible. Dr. Wood is a very kind person. He introduced himself to me right away and said, "Hi, my name's Dr. Wood. You don't need to be scared; I'm here to help you." Nothing went wrong, so it was a success. Overall, I had a great experience here, actually. They called me over the weekend, and they called me again during the week, so they definitely made you feel like you were special. I'm happy I had my wisdom teeth taken out, and I feel much better. I highly recommend Dr. Wood."
"Well, I had to get all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. The staff was really comforting; they were really nice, friendly people. The surgery went really good. Dr. Wood is awesome. He's one of the coolest guys I know. I'm really glad that I came to AZOMS to get my surgery done with Dr. Wood. It was a really good experience, and I definitely recommend it to anyone. For all my friends and family who are in the Benson, Sayulita, southwest side of Tucson area, I'd highly recommend AZOMS."
"I was referred by my dentist, so I just decided to try it. I had had kind of a traumatic extraction. I was really fearful, and I really wanted to get it done, and I wanted somebody to help me. I can truly say I did not feel a moment of anxiety or pain. I couldn't believe how easy it was, and I didn't ever think I'd ever say the word "easy" associated with a dental procedure. They called me and asked me how I was doing, and I didn't think doctors still did that. I really felt like Dr. Wood and his staff gave me a standard of what to expect from medical care, and I will forever compare everything else to how I was treated in his practice. I think he set a very high level of compassion, and that's what I want in medical care. I want not only the expertise but the compassion."
"I started having issues with my wisdom teeth at a golf tournament in Florida, and I didn't tell my parents because I didn't want them to freak out. It was just major pain; my cheek started swelling up because of the infection that was coming about. Dr. Wood made the procedure very easy for me. I was very pleased with how he treated me. Once I was done with my procedure, he called me that night. He also called me the next day just to make sure everything was going well. Coming to Dr. Wood was probably the best decision I made because they're so welcoming; it's almost as though they were part of the family or really close friends for a while. I would definitely recommend Arizona Oral Surgeons because of the family feel that you get and how welcoming and easy it is to get along with everyone."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they put you to sleep for wisdom teeth removal?
IV sedation is often used for wisdom tooth extractions. This puts you in a sleep-like state where you will not feel any pain. This is different from general anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious. General anesthesia is reserved for complex surgical or reconstructive procedures, such as orthognathic surgery or treatment for facial trauma.
We often use a local anesthetic in addition to IV sedation to numb the surgical area. Local anesthesia provides additional comfort during and immediately after surgery. You can also choose EXPAREL®, the non-narcotic pain management option after oral surgery.
Is wisdom teeth removal covered by medical or dental insurance?
Most insurance companies cover some extent of wisdom teeth removal. You should contact your insurance provider directly to find out the details of your coverage. We recommend doing this prior to the consultation appointment.
How long is wisdom tooth removal surgery?
It takes about one hour to remove four wisdom teeth. This time varies if you have more or less than four molars and the complexity of your procedure.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Eat soft foods for a few days and advance your diet as tolerated. This can include eggs, yogurt, soups, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or others that do not require excessive chewing. If it is uncomfortable to eat, you may be advancing your diet too quickly.
Exceptional Outcomes From a Team You Can Trust
We’ve been caring for patients in southern Arizona for over 50 years. As board-certified experts, our surgeons bring years of training and expertise to you and your loved ones with the highest standards. Learn more about our office or contact Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons today to see how we can improve your oral health.