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Maxillofacial Procedures

• Dental Implants
• Bone Grafting
• Wisdom Teeth
• Extractions
• Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
• Impacted Canines
• Facial Trauma
• Jaw/Orthognathic Surgery
• Oral Pathology
• TMJ Disorders
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Wisdom Teeth

By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canines and premolar teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth, or molars, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

The majority of mouths are made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that can hold only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."

Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop and erupt within the mouth. In a limited number of patients, when wisdom teeth align properly and gum tissue is healthy, they do not necessarily have to be removed. However, extra effort with oral hygiene will have to be maintained. In the majority of patients, extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

These poorly positioned impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening in the gum tissue around the tooth allows bacteria to colonize and may eventually cause an infection with swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem may occur when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the potential destruction of the jawbone and adjacent healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to potentially avoid such future problems and to often decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

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

All outpatient surgery is performed with appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Patients in Dr. Davis’ office play an active role in selecting their choice of anesthesia that best suits their surgical needs, expectations, and existing medical condition(s). Most commonly, this is IV conscious sedation/general anesthesia, but is not the only option. Dr. Davis has the extensive training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.

Removal

Removal of wisdom teeth can be performed with local anesthesia only, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or, most commonly, IV conscious sedation/general anesthesia. These anesthesia options, as well as the potential surgical risks will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum tissue is usually closed with dissolvable suture to help control bleeding. Bite down firmly on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your post-operative kit will include postoperative instructions, prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week. You may call our office, if you need to be seen sooner, at (972-335-8717).

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern procedures and monitoring equipment, and staff that are experienced in current anesthesia techniques.

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