When the time comes for wisdom teeth removal, residents of Issaquah, WA and the surrounding areas can count on Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Streelman provides wisdom teeth removal for both simple and complex cases. He will help you protect your smile in a manner that promotes patient safety and comfort.
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal So Common?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common occurrence that most people face at some time in their lives. You will have most of your adult teeth by 13, but you likely also have a third set of molars called wisdom teeth that erupt between ages 17 and 21, often causing issues.
When these teeth do emerge, there often is not enough room. They push on other teeth as they crowd their way into the smile. If they cause other teeth to get too close together, bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease can grow more effectively.
Impacted wisdom teeth are another serious issue. When the teeth erupt, they can get caught on other teeth, bones, or gums. This impaction greatly increases your risk of infection, providing many isolated crevices for bacteria to grow and can also lead to discomfort.
Dr. Streelman can resolve these issues with the wisdom teeth removal procedures he provides to the Issaquah, WA community. With early treatment, you can avoid long-term issues that could need orthodontic treatment or other procedures to fix.
How to Tell When You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most people who keep up with routine dental appointments will have their dentist tell them when wisdom teeth removal is necessary. At that point, they will refer you to the appropriate specialist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, to provide treatment.
As wisdom teeth emerge or push other teeth, they create spaces you cannot brush effectively, leading to bacterial growth. You might notice gum inflammation or bad breath. Some other symptoms related to wisdom teeth include fluid-filled sacs or cysts.
Discomfort in the jaw and the back of the mouth are some of the easiest-to-identify signs that you may need wisdom teeth removal. However, those symptoms are associated with other issues as well. Be sure to seek treatment if you notice these symptoms.
Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who handles various oral surgeries, including wisdom teeth removal. When it is time to remove your wisdom teeth, choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can improve your results and experience. You should not hesitate to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a consultation regarding your wisdom teeth. Leaving the issue untreated increases the risk of complications, so letting Dr. Streelman remove them now is the right course of action.
Your dentist may offer to remove your wisdom teeth themselves. Many dentists are qualified, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in this area. This distinction is even more important in complex impaction cases.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
When it comes time for your wisdom tooth removal, you will start out with a consultation with Dr. Streelman. The consultation will focus on the current state of your teeth, gums, and jaw bone. Dr. Streelman will also evaluate other potential dental health issues.
In order to accurately plan your treatment, we use X-rays and other digital images to take a clear and accurate look at your teeth and the surrounding tissues. With these, Dr. Streelman can assess your case and develop the appropriate approach.
If you require multiple wisdom teeth out, it is generally best practice to remove all of them during a single procedure. That way, you will have fewer required visits and only have to go through recovery once. Depending on your unique case and individual needs, we can provide local anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Streelman will ensure that your anesthesia is applied to provide the optimal experience during your treatment.
Not all wisdom teeth removal procedures are the same. In simple cases, Dr. Streelman makes an incision along the gums in order to access and remove the tooth. Some cases also require removing a small amount of bone around the tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth or those in a tricky position may need to be removed in several pieces. Dr. Streelman carefully cuts the teeth into the appropriate pieces for safe and effective removal.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After your wisdom tooth removal, Dr. Streelman will place gauze bandages to stop any bleeding, which you can remove after about an hour. He will also provide you with any specific aftercare instructions that you will need to follow.
After the treatment, you will likely need a ride home due to the sedation still wearing off. For the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, there may be discomfort and swelling. In most cases, patients only require two or three days away from school or work.
During recovery, you can use over-the-counter medication or ice packs to manage discomfort. In some cases, other medications may be prescribed. Eat only soft foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or soup.
Book Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Issaquah, WA Today
Dr. Streelman can help you safeguard your oral health with wisdom teeth removal. Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is proud to serve people who live and work in Issaquah, WA with our patient-first approach to oral healthcare. You can contact us online or by calling (206) 690-5417 today to book your appointment.