Wisdom Teeth Removal For most of us, when our wisdom teeth come in, there is not enough room for them, which can lead to painful symptoms. Removing them can lead to several dental benefits, including pain relief and a reduced risk of infection, decay, or misalignment. At Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, serving greater Phoenix, we perform every aspect of wisdom teeth removal. Ready to learn more?What Are Wisdom Teeth?Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that tend to erupt during your teens or early twenties. If they come in at a proper angle, the teeth are just as helpful as your other molars. However, many patients' jaws do not have enough room for the wisdom teeth, so they come in at an improper angle and require extraction. When wisdom teeth are impacted, it means that they disturb surrounding teeth or other tissues. They often remain under the gum tissue, which can cause pain, swelling, and misalignment of surrounding teeth. A wisdom tooth can also be partially impacted, meaning it only partially erupts out of the gums. Wisdom teeth are not necessary, so they do not have to be replaced with a solution such as a dental implant-supported dental crown. The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth RemovalLess PainWhen wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause painful swelling in the gums and jaw. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can relieve this pain. Better HealthWisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Removing them makes oral health easier to maintain. No MisalignmentWhen a wisdom tooth erupts at an angle, it can create a domino effect that pushes all of your teeth out of alignment. Remove the wisdom teeth to help your smile stay straight and healthy. Wisdom Teeth Removal at Dental WorksAt Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, Drs. Terry Lee and Mary Ann Work help their patients maintain good oral health and beautiful smiles through wisdom teeth extraction. While other dentists may need to send patients to a different practice, our dentists have the skill, expertise, and technology to perform all aspects of wisdom teeth removal at our office. We make wisdom teeth extraction as pain-free as possible through sedation. We also cater to patients with special needs. If it is time for you or your child to have a wisdom tooth removed, you should trust your care to experienced dentists who value your comfort. Schedule an appointment today by contacting us online or calling (480) 360-7529. We welcome patients from throughout greater Phoenix. Don't Be Afraid, Treatment Is Virtually PainlessMany patients are nervous before wisdom teeth surgery because they expect it to be painful. Thanks to our ultra-modern approach, the procedure can be virtually pain-free. Treatment With Minimal Discomfort And Maximum EffectivenessOur Scottsdale team understands the important role that the latest dental techniques and technologies play in the comfortable treatment of each of our patients. Here is how we give our patients the best possible experience when performing wisdom tooth removal: PrecisionOur cone beam computer tomography scanner provides a non-invasive way to create an incredibly detailed image of your teeth and jaw, which can contribute to highly precise wisdom tooth extraction procedures and smooth recovery periods. ComfortBecause many patients who receive wisdom tooth extraction treatment can feel anxious about the procedure, we offer various levels of sedation to help you feel your best while under our care. Our sedation services include oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, which can give you relief from dental anxiety, and intravenous sedation, which helps patients achieve deep relaxation during longer treatments. Patients who receive sedation must arrange an escort to drive them home safely. Protect Your Health with Wisdom Teeth RemovalDr. Terry Lee Work has performed thousands of wisdom teeth removals over his career. The best time to have wisdom teeth removed is between the ages of 17 and 21 in order to avoid a dangerous infection or impacted teeth. At Dental Works, our dentists use advanced panoramic radiographs to evaluate and plan wisdom teeth removal so that patients can enjoy a quick recovery.  How Do I Know if I Require Wisdom Tooth Extraction?Most often, problematic teeth are noticed by a dentist before they cause too much complication. At a routine checkup with either of our dentists, they will notice any wisdom teeth that may require removal through x-rays or digital scans. However, if you have not seen a dentist in a while, your wisdom teeth may cause noticeable symptoms. You should consider calling our Scottsdale office for a consultation if you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined below. Signs of Wisdom Tooth ComplicationsIn addition to pain in the back of your jaw, these are signs that you may be experiencing complications related to your wisdom teeth: Chronic Bad BreathIf you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth or chronic bad breath, you may be suffering from an infection. Infections can be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth. Inflamed GumsAn impacted wisdom tooth can cause the gums to swell and become red and painful. Inflamed gums may also be an indicator of gum disease, which can be serious. CavitiesCavities often form on wisdom teeth because they are hard to reach and properly clean while brushing. Sinus IssuesIf the wisdom teeth in your upper jaw become impacted, they can put painful pressure on your sinuses, which can also lead to headaches and congestion. Crooked TeethIf you are noticing your teeth becoming crooked, it may be a result of wisdom teeth in the back of your mouth pushing all of your teeth out of alignment. Don't Delay Your TreatmentWisdom tooth extraction may seem intimidating for many patients, but this common procedure can save you time and money and prevent dental complications down the line. Leaving problematic wisdom teeth untreated can lead to the development of cysts that can damage your jawbone and gum tissue, or cause the entire row of teeth to shift, potentially requiring orthodontic work. Our Scottsdale team welcomes patients from all over the Greater Phoenix area who are in need of wisdom tooth extraction. If you are ready to put an end to your dental pain and prevent further complications, request an appointment today. Contact our office online or call us at (480) 360-7529. Learn more about Simple Extraction vs. Surgical Extractions.  Wisdom Teeth Extraction TimelineThe extraction process can be completed in one visit to our dental office in Scottsdale, AZ. We do not need to refer you to an oral surgeon at an outside practice. Here is a detailed breakdown of the procedure: ImagingTo ensure we extract the tooth or teeth as precisely and efficiently as possible, we will make a 3D digital model of your teeth and jaws using our cone beam scanner. SedationBased on your preferences, we can apply a local anesthetic to the area around the wisdom tooth, provide a relaxing sedative that can help you achieve deeper comfort, or both. IncisionThe dentist will make an incision in your gums. ExtractionThe dentist will carefully extract the tooth. In some situations, the dentist may have to separate the tooth into smaller pieces before removal. StitchesThe dentist will close the incision using dissolvable sutures. GauzeThe dentist will place pressure on the site of the extraction using a small piece of wet cotton gauze. Home RecoveryAfter the procedure is complete, you can return home and begin recovery. If you received a heavy sedative, you will need someone to drive you home. Why Scottsdale Trusts Dental WorksSince 1994, Scottsdale, AZ, patients have come to Dental Works for everything from an aching tooth to cosmetic dentistry. These are some of the key reasons patients trust our care: Veteran DentistsBoth of our dentists, Drs. Terry and Mary Work, served four years as U.S. Navy Dental Officers before opening their private practice. Their military background instilled in them a rigorous dedication to providing reliable, quality care while treating each patient with the utmost respect. Cutting-Edge CareOur dentists constantly strive to better their already impressive skills. They have each completed hundreds of hours of advanced dental training. This includes periodontics education that gives them an elevated knowledge of the structures surrounding wisdom teeth. Patient DedicationAt Dental Works, we believe the patient comes first. We cultivate a relaxing atmosphere that Scottsdale patients rave about. Our dentists empower patients and never pressure them into any decision. Once you are our patient, you can call us 24/7 in case of emergency. Supportive StaffThe highly skilled staff at our Scottsdale office improves patient experience in many ways. Our benefits coordinator and office administrator has over a decade of industry experience. We have three extremely capable dental assistants, including a bilingual Spanish-speaker. Early Removal Offers AdvantagesIt is easier to remove wisdom teeth when patients are 25 years old or younger. This is the case for many reasons. Younger patients typically have more flexible bone. Their wisdom tooth roots also tend to not be fully developed. Additionally, removal for younger patients carries less of a chance of nerve damage. While there are indisputable advantages to early removal, we can remove wisdom teeth no matter a patient's age. Our advanced technology and heightened skill allows us to effectively handle this issue for all sorts of Scottsdale patients. Removal May Be Wise Even Without PainJust because your wisdom teeth aren't causing pain doesn't mean they won't in the future. The truth is, having your wisdom teeth removed before symptoms appear can help you avoid oral health concerns and discomfort. To be proactive about wisdom tooth removal, call (480) 360-7529 or write to our Scottsdale team. Recovery TimelineMany people are nervous about the recovery process after wisdom teeth extraction. However, if you follow Dr. Work's recommendations, recovery can go smoothly with no complications. Many patients can return to normal activities the day after the procedure, but it typically takes about two weeks to fully heal. First 24 HoursBlood clots should form in the sockets after the teeth are extracted. Some blood may ooze at the extraction site. During this first day, you should not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, spit, or use mouthwash. Two to Three DaysYou can expect some swelling and bruising. Use an ice pack or heating pad to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. You can gently brush your teeth, and potentially begin eating more solid foods, depending on your comfort level. One WeekDon't use a straw during the first week, or else you may dislodge your blood clots. Ten DaysBy now, most of your symptoms should have subsided. Two WeeksBruising is usually the last symptom to fade. After two weeks, you can expect to be fully recovered. When to Call Us After Your ProcedureSome degree of discomfort and bleeding should be expected for the first few days after surgery. After your procedure, Dr. Work will explain exactly what you should expect. You only need to give us a call at (480) 360-7529 if you experience the following complications:
A Common Procedure with Important BenefitsWisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures, with 85 percent of adults requiring the treatment during their lifetime. However, just because it is common does not mean that all dentists provide the same level of care. At Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, we truly care for the wellbeing of every patient that comes through our doors. Our technology, advanced techniques, and experience allow us to provide excellent service that puts patients at ease. Our service is also extremely convenient, as we can handle your entire wisdom tooth extraction at our office, so you don't have to arrange a separate appointment with an oral surgeon at another practice. If you require wisdom teeth extraction, don't wait. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that you may develop serious problems elsewhere in your smile. If you wait too long, you may even lose some of the surrounding teeth and require treatment with dental implants. To relieve pain and prevent the development of more serious dental issues, schedule wisdom teeth removal with Dental Works today! You can schedule your appointment by contacting us online or by giving us a call at (480) 360-7529. We welcome patients from throughout greater Phoenix. The Risks of Wisdom Teeth RemovalOur dentists are experts at extracting teeth, but any invasive procedure involves some degree of risk. Wisdom tooth removal is no exception, and you should be aware of the risks specific to the procedure: InfectionThere is a possibility of the extraction site becoming infected after surgery. Contact us if you experience unusually intense pain or a fever. Dry SocketDry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged. This prevents the socket from healing correctly and can result in pain that lasts for several days. If you look into the socket and see the jawbone, this is a good indicator of dry socket, and you should contact us to address the issue. Nerve DamageDuring extraction, the nerves close to the tooth root may be bruised or damaged. This can result in numbness and loss of sensation around the extraction site that may last for several days. Nerves are more likely to be harmed by inexperienced oral surgeons or dentists, which is why it is important to choose reputable dental professionals with years of experience. The Cost of Wisdom Teeth RemovalThe cost of your procedure will depend on the severity of your condition, the number of teeth you need to have removed, and options such as sedation. As it's a necessary procedure for your dental health, dental insurance plans usually cover some or all of the cost of wisdom teeth extraction.  If you require wisdom teeth extraction, but are hesitant because of cost, remember that this procedure will actually save you money in the long run. If you ignore a problematic wisdom tooth, it can lead to serious dental issues that may eventually require more expensive treatments, such as the placement of dental implants or even a full mouth reconstruction, which are both far costlier treatments. At Dental Works, we work with patients to make treatment as affordable as possible. We accept all insurance plans and provide financing through CareCredit® and Sunbit. For more information on what your specific case might cost, contact us online or call us at (480) 360-7529. |
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