Wisdom Teeth Removal

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Sheppard 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.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

Pericoronitis infection on a wisdom tooth

Infection:

The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

Cyst formation on a wisdom tooth

Cyst Formation:

Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth.

They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

Teeth crowding caused by a wisdom tooth

Possible Crowding:

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces.

There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Wisdom tooth damaging an adjacent tooth

Damage to Adjacent Teeth:

If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.

What If I Don’t Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed As A Teenager Or Young Adult?

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone denser. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties, or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased.

If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably, and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.

Are You Ready Experiencing Wisdom Teeth Pain?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!

Call us: 817-477-0922

What Happens On The Day Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?

Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and well-trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.

On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines.

We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterward to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

Smiling teenage son with his mother

The Day of Treatment

Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.

If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolves in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery and will subside in several days.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.

We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

What Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost And Is It Covered By Insurance?

The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.

What If I Have Questions Before Surgery?

At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Center For Oral & Dental Implant Surgery Phone Number 817-477-0922 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.

Woman with a great smile

The Day of Treatment

Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.

Center for Oral & Dental Implant Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 15 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Review by Pat H

Dr. Shepherd and staff are great I would definitely recommend

- Pat H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Karl C

This was my first oral surgery and it was a great experience! They knocked me out; next thing I know the teeth were out and I was sent home with everything I needed to heal properly. Dr. Sheppard is awesome and such a professional. My nurse and everyone on staff was very kind and helpful.

- Karl C

4 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ellis S

Thank you Dr. Sheppard and Shelby for making my experience a great one. I will definitely be referring everyone I know and people I don't to to you all.

- Ellis S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ron J

Rachel, Monica, and Christina! These ladies have really influenced positivity throughout my visits. They are very personable, humorous, and helpful! Throughout all of my medical visits in life they have shown the best customer service. Also want to give a shout out to Dr. Sheppard for being amazing and performing the surgery as well! Major Thanks!

- Ron J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Josh S

The staff and Dr at Center for Oral and Dental Surgery on 157 in North Mansfield were great! I had my four wisdom teeth extracted and the procedure went great. I was little nervous, but the staff did a great job of easing my anxiety prior to the procedure, everyone was very friendly, professional and they were very upfront about billing and payments. I would highly recommend this facility for anyone having to have oral surgery.

- Josh S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kimberly S

This is my second time being a patient at the Center for Oral & Dental Implant Surgery. I’ve had a total of 3 wisdom teeth extracted between my two visits. The staff is very warm and friendly, I especially enjoyed Ashley, one of the surgical assistants. She made you feel very relaxed. Dr. Sheppard is an amazing surgeon and hopefully I don’t have to get another tooth pulled but if I do, I’ll definitely come back again!

- Kimberly S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sharla H

Was one of the most pleasant Dr.'s visits me & my sons have ever experienced!! Staff was very sweet, helpful, & informative!! Will for sure recommend!

- Sharla H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kathy G

Dr. Sheppard and his staff are so knowledgeable, professional and extremely nice. Now, he has performed oral surgery on two of my children. Highly recommend him.

- Kathy G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Keyona T

Very nice experience!

- Keyona T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Derrick H

Overall my experience with this office was outstanding. I have referred several of my co-workers as well as my family and they have all been impressed with the professionalism and care they received from Dr. Sheppard and staff........

- Derrick H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by David K

Had a wisdom tooth removed. It was over before I even knew they started. Very happy with staff and procedure. Highly recommended

- David K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Dylan B

Very fun crew, the procedure was easy and minimal pain for tooth extraction, I would definitely go here again!

- Dylan B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Robert V

Staff was very polite and professional. Couldn't have asked for a better experience taking in to consideration the reason for my visit. Lol

- Robert V

4 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Andrew S

I had 3 wisdom teeth out this morning. I opted for local anesthetic, due to heart issues. I had been worried leading up to the procedure that it would be painful, or uncomfortable, I can honestly say it was one of the most pleasant procedures I've ever had! Doctor Shepherd was very fast and the whole experience was painless. I truly couldn't be more impressed. Thank you guys!

- Andrew S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Michelle S

Great doctors and staff! Thank you!

- Michelle S

5 out of 5 stars on