Wisdom Teeth Removal in Lebanon, PA
Protect Oral Health By Having Third Molars Extracted
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are an additional set of teeth that make an appearance during the late teens or early twenties. In many cases, they 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.
The average mouth does not have enough room to house an additional set of molars. It is rare for these teeth to emerge naturally into the dental arch without causing issues, which is why many dental professionals recommend having them removed. At Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery, our oral surgeons comfortably extract wisdom teeth at our office in Lebanon, PA. If you or your child needs wisdom teeth removed or are unsure if you have them, we invite you to contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Balaci, Dr. Forbes, or Dr. Murphy.
Why Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
A wisdom tooth can fully erupt, partially erupt, or become trapped beneath the gum tissue, known as impaction. Regardless of how the wisdom teeth emerge, they put you at risk for a multitude of oral health problems. Some of the most prevalent problems that wisdom teeth can cause include:
- 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
- Infection can lead to tumor growth and cyst development, which can spread to your healthy teeth and gums
The presence of wisdom teeth are often detected during routine dental checkups. Once detected, your dentist will monitor their growth and development and recommend you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when the time is right for removal.
At Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery, we recommend that wisdom teeth removal occurs as early as possible, usually during the early to mid teen years, although wisdom teeth can be removed at almost any age. The removal process is generally much faster when wisdom teeth are removed early because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed, and younger patients typically have faster recoveries.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Prior to undergoing wisdom teeth extraction, you will meet with one of our oral surgeons. We will take 3D scans of your mouth to determine the size, shape, and location of each wisdom tooth.
If you have any questions prior to your procedure, our friendly office staff and skilled surgical team are 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.
On the day of your surgery, we will administer the selected form of anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will extract any visible wisdom teeth with forceps, similar to a standard tooth extraction. For impacted wisdom teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the teeth. After the surgeon removes your wisdom teeth, we will place sutures as necessary, and you will rest until the anesthesia wears off.
Most patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure, but we will discuss all of your options for anesthesia and sedation during your first visit. If you undergo IV sedation, you must have a responsible adult drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours after surgery. It will take about 2 weeks for the surgical sites to heal, but you can expect to return to your normal routine within a couple of days.
Stem Cell Banking with Stemodontics®
Wisdom teeth contain many stem cells which can be stored in a laboratory for potential future use. By banking wisdom teeth stem cells with Stemodontics, you are given peace of mind when it comes to taking care of your future health. Learn more on our Stem Cells page or visit the Stemodontics website to enroll online.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The cost of wisdom tooth removal varies for each patient. The number of wisdom teeth you have, the complexity of surgery, your choice of anesthesia, and your dental insurance all factor in to the final cost of treatment. We will provide you with a cost estimate prior to administering treatment. To find out how much it would cost to have your third molars extracted, contact our office in Lebanon, PA, for a consultation.
Types of Anesthesia
The anesthesia or sedation method used for your surgery is dependent on the type of procedure being performed as well as your personal preference. Some types can be combined for stronger sedation.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"Hi, my name’s Catherine. I live in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and I was having some really painful wisdom teeth coming in, and I came to Dr. Balaci. Then, when they got taken out, I was a lot better. The procedure was really easy. It only took a half an hour, and I went home afterwards, and I was fine. I only had pain afterwards for maybe a day. I would tell anyone in the Lebanon/Lancaster area that Dr. Balaci is definitely the place to go if you need to get your wisdom teeth out."
"I’m Kenny Reddinger. I came in for surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed because they were impacted with the other molars in my mouth. Dr. Balaci had a little talk with me saying what was going to happen and how it’s all going to happen. They took me into a different room, they put an IV in my arm, and since mine was near Christmas, they asked me what I got for Christmas, and that’s the last thing I remember before I went to sleep. I have to say that Dr. Balaci was very professional and very good job. I had pretty much no pain throughout the entire thing, after surgery, and the next couple days. The whole staff is very professional about everything they did, and within less than three days, I was eating regular food again and felt perfectly normal. I’d recommend to all my friends in Fredericksburg, Jonestown, Lebanon, the whole central PA area that this would be a great place to come and get your wisdom teeth removed."
Frequently Asked Questions: Wisdom Teeth
Can you get all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
Yes, you can and should have all wisdom teeth removed at the same appointment. This will prevent the need for multiple surgical visits in the future.
What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth pulled out?
Stick to soft foods for the first week following surgery, and ramp up your diet as tolerated. Take care not to disturb your extraction sites and avoid food that is crunchy or hard. We will provide you with instructions on how to rinse your mouth and clean your teeth, taking care to prevent dry socket. This condition occurs when the blood clot within the empty tooth socket becomes dislodged, causing great discomfort.
What happens if you wait too long to get wisdom teeth out?
As you age, the wisdom teeth will fully develop and become more embedded in the jaw bone. This can make extraction more complex the longer the molars go untreated. Although it’s recommended to undergo third molar extraction around the ages of 17 and 25, you can have these teeth removed at any age.
Where can I get wisdom teeth extracted near Lebanon?
Our oral surgeons and team at Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery in Lebanon, PA, serve patients in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and nearby areas. If you or your child need to have wisdom teeth extracted, please contact our office for an appointment.
Improved Oral Health and Confidence Starts Here
We look forward to being a part of your journey to a healthier smile, improved confidence, and overall better living.