Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth removal in DC is performed by our board-certified oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth extraction is designed to surgically remove one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction typically removes all 4 wisdom teeth. These 4 teeth are the last teeth to emerge in the back portion of your upper and lower jaws. In many cases, wisdom teeth may grow in improperly (impacted) or may not emerge at all, potentially resulting in tooth pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the final teeth in your mouth to emerge, which typically occurs during your late teenage years or your early twenties. When wisdom teeth emerge, in the majority of cases, they may cause a wide variety of oral complications, including overcrowding, shifting teeth, pain, infections, nerve damage, and more. While many patients believe that only emerging wisdom teeth can cause complications, it is important to note that wisdom teeth below the gumline can still cause pain, damage, and complications.

 

Why Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth extraction is required for patients who experience painful symptoms related to an impacted wisdom tooth, but oral surgeons strongly recommend removing wisdom teeth before they begin to cause complications in order to maintain a healthy smile. In many cases, patients do not have enough room in their smile to accommodate the emergence of 4 additional molars. When wisdom teeth emerge, even if they do not become impacted, they can cause overcrowding, leading to misalignment. When there is little to no extra space for wisdom teeth to emerge, they may grow in sideways, only partially emerge, or remain stuck under the gumline.

WISDOM TEETH MAY CAUSE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS:
OVERCROWDING
JAW & TEETH MISALIGNMENT
JAW DAMAGE
NERVE DAMAGE
TOOTH & JAW PAIN
GUM DISEASE
INFECTION
CYSTS
TOOTH DAMAGE

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that are partially or completely trapped under the gums are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. While emerging wisdom teeth may cause more obvious complications, such as overcrowding and misalignment, impacted wisdom teeth can also cause serious side effects, including nerve and jaw damage. There are several types of impacted wisdom teeth, including vertical impaction, partial impaction, horizontal impaction, soft tissue impaction, bony impaction, mesial impaction, and distal impaction.

TYPES OF WISDOM TEETH IMPACTION
VERTICAL IMPACTION
Caused When The Tooth Is Too Close To The Neighboring Tooth And Becomes Stuck Beside The Adjacent Tooth
PARTIAL IMPACTION
Tooth Begins To Emerge But Runs Into The Adjacent Tooth With A Flap Of Gum Tissue Over The Wisdom Tooth
HORIZONTAL IMPACTION
Occurs When The Wisdom Tooth Is Horizontally Trapped Under The Gumline
SOFT TISSUE IMPACTION
Caused By The Tooth Only Partially Emerging From The Jawbone And Becoming Stuck Under The Gum
BONY IMPACTION
Occurs When The Tooth Is Fully Concealed Within The Jawbone
MESIAL IMPACTION
Results In A Tooth That Is Improperly Angled While Erupting And Causes Pain To The Neighboring Tooth
DISTAL IMPACTION
Occurs When The Tooth Is Positioned Away From Your Other Teeth And Is Moving Toward The Back Of Your Mouth
 
 

Should wisdom teeth be removed even if they haven’t emerged?

Yes, while your wisdom teeth may not currently be causing overcrowding or painful symptoms, most oral surgeons suggest removing wisdom teeth before they are able to become infected, impacted, or unhealthy. We recommend removing wisdom teeth while younger in order to prevent future complications. Wisdom teeth also become more difficult to remove when you are older and often have longer healing times. Overcrowding, cysts, misalignment, and infections can be serious medical conditions that require many treatments or surgeries to correct. To prevent the onset of these painful symptoms, Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team can perform wisdom teeth removal in DC.

What should I expect during wisdom teeth extraction?

We perform wisdom tooth removal in our fully equipped ambulatory surgery center, which boasts state-of-the-art technology and equipment. With ongoing advancements in the field of oral surgery, wisdom tooth removal has become less invasive with a shorter recovery time. To ensure utmost precision, we will review your dental x-rays and create an individualized treatment regimen around your specific needs. Wisdom teeth extraction is typically performed using IV sedation to ensure patient comfort. After you are comfortably sedated, Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team will carefully remove each wisdom tooth.

WISDOM TEETH IMPACTIONS

Wisdom Teeth Impactions Impacted Wisdom Teeth Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Above are some common types of wisdom teeth impactions. Impacted teeth can cause complications and may damage surrounding teeth.

What should I expect after wisdom teeth removal in DC?

Immediately following wisdom teeth extraction, many patients may feel lethargic as the effect of the anesthesia wears off. You must be accompanied home following your wisdom tooth surgery by a family member or friend as you will be unable to drive or operate machinery until the anesthesia has fully left your system. Many patients find that, upon returning home, a nap will help them finish processing the anesthesia. Most patients typically wake up from a nap much more alert. It is important to rest immediately following wisdom tooth removal and to allow your body the time it needs to recuperate.

Mild swelling, bleeding, or discomfort may be present for a few days following wisdom teeth extraction. It is recommended to not brush your teeth until the following day, when you may gently brush your teeth while avoiding the surgical sites. An ice pack can be applied to the jaw to help reduce inflammation and swelling. Until your surgical sites heal further, you must remain on a diet consisting of soft foods. We will provide you with detailed information about what to expect following wisdom teeth extraction during your visit.

How can I get started with wisdom teeth surgery?

Dr. Pashapour and his staff at Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery would be happy to discuss the details of wisdom tooth removal with you. To schedule an appointment in Washington, DC or Arlington, please call our office at 703-566-1990 or request an appointment online.

Wisdom Teeth: Patient Safety

Wisdom Teeth Management

Professional Memberships

Educational Background

Georgetown University The University of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine Drexel University College Of Medicine University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey

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