Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth can cause impaction and misalignment and increase the risk of decay and gum disease. While not essential for chewing or speaking, removing wisdom teeth early in life can prevent complications. The surgeons at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery are here to help ensure better oral health through wisdom teeth removal.

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Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth, also known as the upper and lower third molars, can cause significant dental problems if not removed. There are many benefits to removing your wisdom teeth before they are fully developed. Common benefits include: 

 

Protect Oral Health

When wisdom teeth are left untreated, they are susceptible to several issues that can affect oral health. Since these issues are common with untreated wisdom teeth, most dentists and oral surgeons recommend removing them before fully developing. 

Preserve Your Smile

Wisdom teeth tend to be very large and lack the room to come in properly. If you’ve had braces, your teeth could shift out of alignment when four new, large molars are left to come in and undo months (or years) of orthodontic treatment. 

Reduce Pain

Wisdom teeth complications can be painful! If they do not fit properly in the mouth, they can create pressure on the surrounding teeth and cause headaches and tooth and gum sensitivity. They are also prone to infection and decay, which are painful oral health conditions.

Meet Our Specialists

The Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery doctors have removed wisdom teeth for thousands of North and South Carolina patients. Whether it’s a routine extraction or a complex procedure, our team is committed to delivering exceptional care. 

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Wisdom Teeth Removal Success Stories

Hear from actual patients how easy and painless their wisdom teeth removal experience was at CCOFS.

The Wisdom Teeth Process: From Consultation to Recovery

 
  1. The first step is an initial consultation and oral assessment. We will take scans of your wisdom teeth, discuss your medical history, answer any questions, and alleviate any concerns you may have about the procedure. We will also discuss your treatment plan and determine which type of anesthesia is right for you.

  2. Before your procedure, your surgeon will provide a list of preoperative instructions. Depending on the anesthesia, your doctor may ask you to come in on an empty stomach. Your doctor will also give you a list of post-operative instructions to follow, which will help foster optimal healing and recovery.

  3. Your surgeon will administer anesthesia for comfort, make a small incision, and gently remove your wisdom teeth. The incision may be sutured to aid healing, and you’ll rest in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. Generally speaking, you can expect this procedure to take under an hour to complete.

  4. After your wisdom teeth removal, you will be placed in our comfortable recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. Once you wake up, you may feel groggy, lightheaded, sleepy, or confused and need someone else to drive you home.

 

Anesthesia Alternatives for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia induces numbness in the specific area where it is applied. It does not interfere with the patient’s awareness, allowing them to stay awake while alleviating any sensations of discomfort. This type of anesthesia is frequently utilized for many types of minor medical procedures.

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Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a gentle sedative that patients inhale to help reduce anxiety. It does not induce unconsciousness and is frequently used in conjunction with local anesthesia. 

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IV Sedation

 IV sedation is frequently utilized for moderate to extensive surgical procedures involving the mouth or face. This sedation method is delivered directly into the patient’s bloodstream. A common side effect of the medication is amnesia, meaning that many patients don’t recall their procedure afterward.

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If you're in need of wisdom teeth removal, contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons.

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What Our Patients are Saying

  • Excellent!

    Dr. Lombrano and her team were excellent! I had two of my lower wisdom teeth removed and have practically recovered after 3 days. Thank you!
    - Bradley A.
  • Very Pleased

    I got my wisdom tooth extracted by Dr. Franco. I was nervous but it was a great experience. I felt no pain. Dr. Franco and his staff were amazing. Everything was explained clearly to me. I am very pleased!
    - Miranda L.
  • Top-Quality Dental Care

    I recently took my daughter to Dr. Sarav Patel, DDS, MD, for her wisdom tooth extraction, and we had an outstanding experience. Dr. Patel was thorough in diagnosing the issue and provided the most effective treatment plan. The surgery was painless, and my daughter felt completely comfortable throughout the procedure. The entire staff was friendly, helpful, and attentive, making the experience stress-free for both of us. I highly recommend Dr. Patel and his team for anyone looking for top-quality dental care. They truly are the best!
    - Sabriya D.
  • Most Caring Group of People

    He is such an amazing surgeon, he did 4 wisdom teeth extraction. I experienced no pain, no swelling at all. His staff is the most amazing caring group of people I’ve ever experienced in a medical setting .. I would recommend them to any and everyone.
    - Anonymous
  • 10/10 Recommend

    Dr. Gill and her staff are top notch! They make you feel right at ease with everything you need to know about surgery. I was a bit nervous to have all 4 wisdom teeth at almost 37 years old but everything was better than smooth and recovery was quick with no issues! Dr. Gill is smart and better yet has a great personality and sense of humor! Dr. Gill and her staff are very efficient and from consultation, to surgery day, to my follow-up appointment I hardly had any wait time and was taken care of completely. 10/10 recommend Dr. Gill and staff for any oral surgery needs!!
    - Holly S.

Recovery and Aftercare

To ensure you feel comfortable moving forward with your wisdom teeth removal at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, it is best to fully understand what you expect before, during, and after the procedure.  Please call our office immediately if you experience unusual or severe pain, swelling, or bleeding after surgery.

First 24 hours

You may experience discomfort once your anesthesia wears off in the first twenty-four hours after your procedure. You may also notice other common symptoms like bruising, swelling, and inflammation around the extraction sites. Do not use a straw, forcefully spit, or aggressively brush your extraction site. 

First Week

Your discomfort will peak between days one and three, and your symptoms will alleviate in the three to seven days following your procedure. After one week, you can resume brushing the extraction site, but be very gentle.

First Month

Around two weeks after your wisdom teeth removal surgery, your extraction site should not interfere with your daily life. While it may not look completely normal and still feel tender to the touch, it should be almost completely healed. At this point, you should be able to resume brushing and flossing your teeth normally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

When do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Does getting your wisdom teeth taken out hurt?
How long does the procedure take?
How long are you groggy after the procedure?
How long should I expect to be out of work or school?
What if I don’t get my wisdom teeth removed when recommended?

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Ready to take the next step in removing your wisdom teeth? Schedule a consultation with our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. We are committed to delivering exceptional results with skill, precision, and personalized treatment plans.

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