Wisdom Teeth Removal
Preserve Your Healthy, Attractive Smile
Stay Ahead of Dental Problems With Wisdom Teeth Removal in Virginia Beach
Third molars can become troublesome when there isn't enough room for them to emerge or when their position makes them difficult to keep clean. Wisdom teeth removal in Virginia Beach can address impacted, partially erupted, or poorly positioned teeth before they contribute to infection, discomfort, or damage to neighboring structures.
You can trust the oral surgeons at Eastern Virginia OMS for a smooth and successful wisdom tooth extraction. As a specialty surgery practice, we provide evaluation, surgical treatment, IV sedation when appropriate, and detailed post-operative guidance. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in tooth extraction, anesthesia, and management of the surrounding oral and facial anatomy.
Recovery matters, too. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) may be incorporated into treatment to complement the body's natural healing response. Exparel may also be used when appropriate as part of a recovery approach designed to manage post-operative discomfort and reduce reliance on opioid pain medication.
Address Impacted Teeth Before Complications Develop
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are typically the last permanent teeth to develop. Some emerge normally and cause no significant concerns. Others encounter too little space in the jaw, causing them to remain beneath the gums or bone or grow at an angle. They may erupt only partially.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create areas where food and bacteria become difficult to remove. Impacted teeth can also affect neighboring molars or surrounding tissues. Depending on their position, they can cause infection, decay, gum inflammation, cyst formation, and damage to adjacent teeth. Symptoms aren't always present, which is why an examination and imaging are important when determining whether removal is needed.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist trained in surgical extractions and anesthesia. Your surgeon will evaluate the position of each tooth, its relationship to nearby anatomy, and the complexity of removal before developing your surgical plan. In our many years of removing wisdom teeth, we've perfected the process.
You'll also receive instructions explaining how to prepare for treatment and care for the surgical sites afterward. Your plan may include Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic that keeps numbing the surgical site well after your appointment ends and can lower your need for opioid pain medication.
Schedule a consultation with Eastern Virginia OMS to determine whether wisdom teeth removal in Virginia Beach is appropriate for you.
Relieve Pressure & Discomfort
Removing impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can address pain, tenderness, and pressure associated with problematic third molars.
Reduce Infection Concerns
Extraction eliminates difficult-to-clean wisdom teeth that can create spaces where food debris and bacteria accumulate. This helps keep your mouth free of decay and infection.
Safeguard Neighboring Molars
Removing a poorly positioned third molar may prevent it from contributing to decay, resorption, or other damage involving the adjacent tooth.
Address Gum Inflammation
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can leave gum tissue vulnerable to irritation and infection. Removal eliminates the problematic tooth and surrounding pocket.
Limit Impacted-Tooth Complications
Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can address the potential for cyst formation and related effects on surrounding bone or teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Q How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth removal may be recommended when teeth are impacted, poorly positioned, partially erupted, difficult to clean, or causing problems such as pain or infection. Some problematic wisdom teeth produce few noticeable symptoms. An oral examination and imaging allow the surgeon to evaluate their position and determine whether extraction is appropriate.
Q What happens during wisdom teeth removal?
The surgeon evaluates the position of the wisdom teeth and surrounding anatomy before wisdom teeth removal. During surgery, anesthesia is used for comfort. Gum or bone tissue may be carefully accessed when a tooth is impacted. The teeth are then removed, and sutures are placed if necessary. Post-operative instructions explain how to care for the surgical sites afterward.
Q Can I receive IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal?
IV sedation is commonly used for wisdom tooth surgery and may be appropriate depending on the patient and procedure. Sedative medication is administered intravenously while the surgical team monitors the patient throughout treatment. Patients receiving IV sedation must carefully follow pre-operative instructions, including fasting and transportation requirements.
Q How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal varies according to the complexity of the extractions and individual healing. Swelling commonly increases during the first few days before beginning to improve. Soreness and jaw stiffness may also occur. Many patients gradually resume normal activities within a few days, although the surgical sites continue healing beyond that point
Q What should I eat after my wisdom teeth are removed?
Soft foods and plenty of fluids are generally recommended during early recovery after wisdom teeth removal. Options may include yogurt, applesauce, eggs, mashed potatoes, and other foods requiring minimal chewing. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sharp foods that could irritate the surgical areas. Straws should also be avoided during early healing because suction can disturb the developing blood clots.
Q Why are impacted wisdom teeth sometimes removed before they hurt?
Impacted wisdom teeth can create problems even without noticeable pain. Their position may make them difficult to clean or allow them to affect adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. Depending on the individual case, early removal may help prevent infection, decay, gum problems, cyst formation, or damage to neighboring teeth.
Q What can help with recovery after wisdom teeth surgery?
Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions is one of the most important parts of recovery after wisdom teeth surgery. Recommendations may include using ice during the initial healing period, eating soft foods, keeping the mouth clean as directed, and limiting strenuous activity. You'll also want to take recommended medications. Some surgical plans may also incorporate recovery aids such as PRF or Exparel.
Q How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, follow all instructions provided by your surgical team regarding food, liquids, medications, and anesthesia. If you will receive IV sedation, you'll need to follow specific fasting requirements and arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and drive you home. Preparing soft foods, ice packs, and other recovery supplies beforehand can make the first few days easier.
