Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are an additional set of teeth that grow under the surface of the gums and, in many cases, are undetectable without proper X-ray evaluation or 3D scanning. It is not uncommon for teens and adults to be unaware that this set of teeth exists until they begin to present significant problems. In some cases, the third molars may fully grow into the mouth or partially grow into the mouth, and additional issues may arise. If wisdom teeth fully emerge, they have the potential to provide increased chewing and grinding power. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not have a long enough jaw bone or a large enough mouth to accommodate these teeth.
Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
Whether a patient has impacted wisdom teeth, partially grown wisdom teeth, or fully grown wisdom teeth, they are at an increased risk for the development of a multitude of oral and dental problems, and these issues may require extensive or costly procedures to correct. Some of the most prevalent problems that wisdom teeth can cause are
- Bacterial growth, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Misalignment of healthy teeth as the wisdom teeth push the second molars forward and cause dental crowding and shifting throughout the mouth
- Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, pain, and even bad breath caused by periodontal disease
- Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which in turn can cause issues in healthy teeth and the jaw bone
When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
Maintaining regular dental health checkups with your general dentist should help you to determine when and if wisdom teeth are developing, and your general dentist should recommend that they are removed early. If you currently have wisdom teeth, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to mitigate the issues listed above and avoid costly orthodontic and surgical treatment that may arise from these problems. At Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery, we recommend that wisdom teeth removal occurs as early as possible, usually during the mid- to late teens. The removal process is generally much more rapid if wisdom teeth are removed early because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed, and younger patients are more likely to recover quickly from surgery.
If you elect to have your wisdom teeth removed at our office in Lebanon, PA, you will receive a thorough oral examination from our qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Alex Balaci. He may determine that it is necessary to supplement any X-rays received from your general dentist with additional X-rays and 3D scanning of the mouth. This will help him to determine the position and size of the teeth and develop a plan for extraction that ensures optimal recovery.
Your procedure will be performed in a state-of-the-art surgical center that is held to the same standards as hospital operating rooms. Dr. Balaci has been extensively trained to administer anesthesia and offers many anesthetic options to ensure that you are as comfortable and anxiety-free for your procedure as possible, including
- Local Anesthesia: an anesthetic applied directly to the area of removal
- Nitrous Oxide: also known as laughing gas, an anesthetic option used in congruence with other anesthetic options to calm anxiety during the procedure
- Sedation Anesthesia: administered through an intravenous (IV) line that suppresses your consciousness during the procedure
- General Anesthesia: an anesthetic that is inhaled through the nose that causes you to lose consciousness during the procedure
If you have any questions prior to your procedure, our friendly office staff and skilled surgical team would be happy to help you in any way possible. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease prior to receiving treatment and that you completely understand the pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure optimal recovery.
Where can I get wisdom teeth extracted near Lebanon?
Dr. Alex Balaci and the highly skilled team at Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery in Lebanon, PA, serve a wide region and provide the full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures to correct functional and aesthetic problems, including the removal of a single wisdom tooth, multiple wisdom teeth, and impacted wisdom teeth.
