Wisdom Teeth Removal

Third Molar Extraction

• Why are they called wisdom teeth?
• Extraction of wisdom teeth: The Why
• Wisdom Teeth Examination
• Timing is Everything
• Non-Opioid, Long-Lasting Pain Relief
• The Cost of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

You’ve been told your teenager needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. And you know this is a common procedure. You’ve heard about wisdom teeth, the extra molars that come in behind the other permanent teeth. But you’re wondering, do they really need to be removed?

With 28 teeth already in place, it’s often difficult for an additional four wisdom teeth to grow in properly. When teeth try to push through the gums but cannot, they remain impacted—fully or partially covered by gum or bone—which has the potential to cause a variety of complications. And 90% of people develop an impacted tooth.

Why are they called wisdom teeth?

We develop the third molars during our late teens or early twenties. A person becomes wiser as they transition into adulthood, so that’s why we refer to the third molars as wisdom teeth.

Extraction of wisdom teeth: The Why

Your mouth was designed to hold 28 teeth, and by the time your wisdom teeth start to grow, those 28 slots are already filled, making it difficult for an additional 4 wisdom teeth to grow incorrectly. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but it is important to be evaluated at a young age if possible, to prevent future problems.

BUT, they don’t hurt at all!

Even if there is no pain, there is a huge benefit to removing wisdom teeth preventatively because the problems that can arise are very serious.  It is important for us to make the determination of the risks vs. benefits of wisdom tooth extraction because the older you get, the more there is increased risk, delayed healing, and more difficult recovery.

Even if your wisdom teeth come in properly positioned, they could become infected and at risk for pathologic cysts.

Wisdom Teeth Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Berley, Dr. Torres & Dr. Berenstein can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Timing is Everything

If you’re wondering why you continue to hear about teens and young adults having their wisdom teeth pulled, it’s because there is an optimal (yet fleeting) opportunity between the ages of 16-28 when the tooth roots haven’t fully formed yet. Once the roots have developed, the risk of nerve injury or sinus exposure is significantly higher, and the damage is done. So, it is better in many cases to get them out before any damage to your other teeth can occur.

Minimally invasive surgery leads to rapid healing.

Plantation Oral Surgery is known for the techniques we use that make our wisdom teeth removal procedures less invasive than most. We use a special technique that takes time to perfect and dedication and care to employ, and is, therefore, very rarely used by most providers. We use very advanced equipment and specialized instruments that allow us to access your teeth and gums at a precise angle to avoid the need for a big incision or much bone removal.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Berley, Dr. Torres & Dr. Berenstein is trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

The result is fast healing and little-to-no pain and swelling.

Non-Opioid, Long-Lasting Pain Relief

When it comes to treating patients, and especially teens, we place a high value on reducing the need for opioids while controlling postsurgical pain. Our method is simple— minimally invasive surgery—AND we treat our patients with a new medication called Exparel.

As frontrunners in oral surgery with years of training under our belt, we know that the best way to provide expert care for your teens is to stay ahead of the curve regarding the avoidance of narcotics. Exparel is a medicine that numbs the surgery site and keeps it numb for 2-3 days. In other words, your child will likely need only ibuprofen to manage any discomfort during recovery.

Possible Complications

If you’re wondering what the risks of wisdom teeth removal surgery might be, there are few. As with any surgical procedure, complications, such as nerve injuries, sinus exposures, dry socket, and  TMJ pain, can occur, but they are very rare. And, if the surgery is performed at an early age, the risk is even lower.

The Cost of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Every patient is unique, so the cost of your teen’s wisdom teeth extraction depends on a variety of factors, ranging from positioning, level of impaction, number of teeth, etc. Our staff discusses all costs upfront and helps navigate insurance policies and any benefits they provide.  At your consult, you will get an itemized estimate showing your insurance coverage and your out-of-pocket portion.

The Cost of Waiting

The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll run up against problems down the road. And the more complicated the issue, the more expensive the procedure. Simply put, waiting may cost you more in the long run. Wisdom teeth that are left alone tend to lead to difficulties, such as infection, pain, damage to neighboring teeth, and, in rare circumstances, cysts and tumors.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff is experienced in anesthesia techniques.