Wisdom Teeth in Pittsburgh PA
Wisdom Teeth in Pittsburgh PA
Wisdom teeth can cause serious pain and discomfort for those who have not yet have them removed. Wisdom teeth removal, a common dental procedure in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, is often recommended to prevent issues like crowding, impaction, or infection. It’s a wise choice for maintaining oral health and preventing potential dental complications. If you have questions about wisdom teeth in general, looking to understand how to prepare for an upcoming procedure, or are looking for a reputable oral surgeon to have wisdom teeth extraction in Pittsburgh, you have come to the right place. Here at Kail and Moore Oral Surgery, we are dedicated to informing and providing services for all residents living in the Pittsburgh area.
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge after all your other teeth have come in. They are referred to as “wisdom” because they typically develop between the ages of 17-21 years old when you are considered older and wiser. These teeth sit farther back than any other and can be in all four corners of your mouth.
Sometimes, when these teeth come in, they can become impacted meaning they cannot break through the gums. This occurs in 9/10 people and can cause serious infection, illness, and pain.
WHY DO WE HAVE WISDOM TEETH?
Of the 32 teeth found in an average adults mouth, some are used for grasping, biting, or shredding (canines, incisors, bicuspids), but some are used for grinding food so that it can be easily swallowed; these teeth used for grinding are your molars. We have wisdom teeth so that we can effiecently grind tough food suitable to be swallowed. As our jaws have gotten smaller over time, these teeth pose more risk and problems as they can cause infection and pain as they dont have the space to properly come in. Today, since our food is easier to handle, our wisdom teeth often cause more harm than good. Most people have four, but how many wisdom teeth you have may vary.
GET YOUR WISDOM TOOTH REMOVED, TODAY
Our team at Kail & Moore Oral Surgery is dedicated to providing your quality services to remove your wisdom tooth or wisdom teeth in Pittsburgh, PA. Call our office that is most convenient for you and let’s start the journey to get you back to feeling like you, again.
Mount Lebanon Wisdom Teeth Removal
Robinson Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you have not had your wisdom teeth removed, and you are over the age of seventeen, you can experience on or multiple of the following symptoms that may indicate you need to have your wisdom teeth or a single wisdom tooth extraction procedure. You may even have an infection caused by these teeth. If you have any of the symptoms below, considering giving our team a call if you need a wisdom teeth extraction in Pittsburgh, PA.
WISDOM TEETH SYMPTOMS
DID YOU KNOW?
Wisdom teeth can cause bad breath! When erupting, wisdom teeth create tears in your gums that can cause food to get trapped and cause your breath to not smell so pleasant
- Sensitivity or pain of gums
- Wisdom tooth pain can be difficult to bear and can cause the gums surrounding the tooth to be sensitve when chewing.
- Enlarged lymph nodes or swelling of face
- Lymph nodes that are swollen or sore underneath your jaw, or a swollen face, can be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected.
- Bad breath
- Hemoptysis, or bad breath, can be caused by food getting stuck between your third molars or can even be the result of an infection.
- Irritation from stuck food
- Food can often get stuck between these teeth and your gums and can cause pain or irritation that can only be resolved by extraction.
- Inflamed or red gums
- Fever
If you are experiencing pain, you should meet with your dentist or oral surgeon to consider wisdom teeth removal to avoid further complications.
Typically, the younger you are when getting wisdom teeth surgery, the less pain you will experience.
Pain free DOES NOT equal disease or problem free! Speak with your dentist if you ahve not had your wisdom teeth removed.
WHY REMOVE WISDOM TEETH
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most posterior teeth in the mouth. These teeth typically begin to erupt and become visible in the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, most individuals simply do not have enough room in their mouth for these teeth to fully erupt or to keep clean and be functional. If there is insufficient space for these teeth to fully erupt, the teeth are considered impacted. It is often necessary to extract these teeth in order to improve oral health and help prevent decay, bone loss, or other pathology.
Most dental and medical professionals agree that wisdom teeth should be removed in order to avoid potential problems as a patient ages. Third molar extractions are typically better tolerated in adolescence to young adulthood, about 15 to 25 years of age, however, each patient is unique. During this period, the tooth has less root formation, making them easier to remove and less likely to cause complications. Additional reasons for removing third molars include incomplete eruption, gum disease around teeth, dental crowding, orthodontic treatment, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.
The younger you are when you have your wisdom teeth removed, typically, the less pain you will experience.
Pain free DOES NOT equal disease or problem free. Connect with your dentist or maxillofacial surgeon to see if you need to have a wisdom tooth extracted.
In general, dental and medical professionals agree that wisdom teeth should always be removed in the following instances:
- infections and/or periodontal disease;
- cavities that cannot be restored;
- pathologies such as cysts, and tumors, and
- damage to neighboring teeth.
Wisdom teeth that are completely erupted and functional, painless, cavity-free, in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue, and are disease-free teeth they may not require extraction. They do, however, require regular, professional cleaning, annual check-ups and periodic radiographs to monitor for any changes.
CONSULTATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
At the first visit, a patient will have a thorough oral examination and a review of dental imaging and medical history. Based on the results of the exam and imaging, the surgeon will develop a plan with the most up to date and safest treatment recommendations.
WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL
The surgery will typically occur in our office operatories, using the most current and up to date techniques and monitoring equipment. During surgery, the surgeon will extract the teeth while the patient is treated with local anesthesia, nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” IV sedation or a combination of these agents. After the teeth have been removed, the gum tissue may be stitched shut with a dissolvable suture. The duration of the surgery will vary by patient and surgical complexity. Depending on medical conditions, this procedure is occasionally performed in the operating room at the hospital.
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Drs. Kail or Moore may determine that you need a tooth extraction for various reasons. Teeth may need extraction due to severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, or irreparable damage. Sometimes, teeth need to be removed due to poor positioning (such as impacted teeth) or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The extraction of a single tooth can lead to issues with chewing, jaw joint problems, and shifting teeth, all of which can significantly affect your dental health.
To prevent these complications, Drs. Kail or Moore will typically discuss alternatives to extraction and options for replacing the extracted tooth.
There are several conditions that affect how easy it will be to remove a wisdom tooth. These conditions include how the tooth is positioned and the stage of root development. If the wisdom teeth are impacted the surgery might be more complicated.
Most of the time third molars can be removed with little or no pain. Usually they can be extracted at the oral and maxillofacial surgery office. Patients are given either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the anesthetic option that is right for you.
TOOTH EXTRACTION PROCESS
Tooth extractions can be completed using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), or intravenous sedation. The choice of anesthetic will be determined during your consultation appointment.
With all extractions, the doctor will numb your tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic.
During the procedure, you will feel a lot of pressure as the doctor loosens the tooth to widen the socket for removal. You will feel this pressure but not pain, as the anesthetic numbs the nerves that transmit pain while the nerves that sense pressure are less affected.
In some cases, teeth need to be segmented into smaller pieces to make removal easier. This is a common procedure when a tooth is firmly anchored in its socket or has a curved root that prevents the socket from expanding enough for removal. The doctor will cut the tooth into sections and remove each piece individually.
The extraction of a single tooth can lead to issues with chewing, jaw joint problems, and shifting teeth, all of which can significantly affect your dental health.
To prevent these complications, Drs. Kail or Moore will typically discuss alternatives to extraction and options for replacing the extracted tooth.
There are several conditions that affect how easy it will be to remove a wisdom tooth. These conditions include how the tooth is positioned and the stage of root development. If the wisdom teeth are impacted the surgery might be more complicated.
Most of the time third molars can be removed with little or no pain. Usually they can be extracted at the oral and maxillofacial surgery office. Patients are given either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the anesthetic option that is right for you.
AFTER WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, therefore patients may experience discomfort and swelling after the procedure. The initial exam and surgery will include information about what to expect during the recovery and how to adjust a patient’s diet and lifestyle, if needed. Each patient will also go home with a post-operative kit that has instructions, possible prescriptions and various other things that may be needed.
How do you prepare for wisdom teeth removal? Our pre-operation checklist will help to reduce pain and discomfort from the surgery.
Did you have your wisdom teeth removed in Pittsburgh? Our post-operation checklist will help mitigate any potential problems and reduce discomfort.
Are you in pain from a wisdom tooth extraction? Our team has prepared a list of commonly asked questions to help quicken wisdom tooth recovery.
Take the First Step for Wisdom teeth removal in Pittsburgh
Our team is dedicated to providing quality oral surgery procedures for those living in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. If you want to schedule a procedure, understand the cost, or have any other questions, please contact our teams located in Mount Lebanon or Robinson and a representative will take care of all your needs.
WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL RECOVERY
Time of recovery from a wisdom tooth removal can vary depending on patient health, age, and adherence to pre and post-operation procedures. Follow our checklists to help mitigate risk to discomfort from wisdom teeth extraction.
The first few days you may experience pain, swelling, and mild discomfort, which is part of the normal healing process. Your diet may need to be modified for a few days up to a few weeks in order to aid in the recovery process. Application of a cold compres can help alleviate swelling and pain.
We will partner with you along your post-op journey to give you detailed instructions of when to return to work or school based on your pain level and medication provided. Many people experience the height of symptoms on the third and fourth day post operation.
Why Choose Kail & Moore For Wisdom Teeth Removal in Pittsburgh
Our team is dedicated to providing you with quality service and comforting care from the first phone call till your last check-up. Both Dr. Kail and Moore serve as adjunct clinical professors at the University of Pittsburgh and are on staff at UPMC hospitals; they are dedicated to staying on-top-of advancing education in the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery. With over +20 years of combined practicing experience, Kail and Moore aim to provide the city of Pittsburgh top wisdom teeth extraction solutions, service, and care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WISDOM TEETH
All patients are different, but swollen lymph nodes and jaw pain is not an uncommon symptom. If you experience a swollen face, lymph nodes, or sensitive/inflamed gums, speak with your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as you can.
Not all people have wisdom teeth nor do all third molars come in the same way for everyone. Each person is different and the best course of action is to talk to your doctor and consider if you need a consultation from a maxilliofacial surgeon.