Wisdom Teeth Removal - Statesboro & Swainsboro, GA

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Wisdom Teeth Extraction from the Experts

patient being scanned with dental device for procedure

The Wisest Step is Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 26 years, in a position close behind second molars. The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth, not 32. As such, it’s common for wisdom teeth to fail to erupt or to do so only partially and become impacted. In fact, 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The term asymptomatic or disease‐free wisdom tooth is used when there are no signs or symptoms of disease affecting your wisdom tooth or nearby structures. Wisdom teeth removal is almost always recommended when third molars can’t properly erupt, even in asymptomatic cases. As South Georgia’s leading oral and maxillofacial surgery practice, the team at East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery has performed thousands of successful wisdom teeth removals in Statesboro, GA, and Swainsboro, GA.

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Why Choose an Oral Surgeon
for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

While uncommon, wisdom teeth removals can lead to nerve injury, bleeding, maxillary sinus issues, or infection. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Suketu Patel, Dr. Rodrigo Uribe, and Dr. Brian Sellers have advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

All our oral surgeons have the highest level of proficiency in wisdom teeth extractions and are certified to administer all types of sedation. East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery is a trusted practice for wisdom teeth extraction in Statesboro and Swainsboro, GA due to our oral surgeons’ extensive knowledge and expertise. Whether you or your teen are experiencing pain, swelling, or swollen gums or notice a partially erupted third molar, we encourage you to schedule a wisdom tooth evaluation as soon as possible.

Potential Issues Caused by
Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can assume many positions within the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that enables successful eruption. As a result, they can grow sideways, partially emerge from the gums, or remain completely trapped beneath gum and bone tissue. Partial eruption leads to an opening around the tooth, thereby allowing bacteria to thrive, which can cause decay and infection. Pressure from erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious complication is when a tumor or cyst forms around an impacted wisdom tooth.

Signs of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

Swollen, red gums around back molars
Persistent tooth pain and jaw pain
Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
Blood or pus near your molars
Swollen jaw or cheeks

patient undergoing procedure scanning with dental device in the practice

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Consultation

Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) are recommended in order to identify potential problems and decrease the risk of wisdom tooth complications. When you visit East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, one of our oral surgeons will evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if they present current or future problems. Digital X-rays and an oral exam help determine the best course of action. In addition to a local anesthetic, outpatient surgery is performed under the type of sedation that best maximizes your comfort and alleviates dental anxiety. Our team will discuss all anesthesia options and potential surgical risks before your procedure is performed.

patient and doctor taking a picture in front of the front desk within the dental practice

Dr. Sellers Explains 5 Common Questions About Wisdom Tooth Extractions

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

An impacted wisdom tooth is exposed by making a small incision in the surrounding gums, then carefully loosening and lifting the tooth from the socket. In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth is easier to extract in multiple pieces. Many patients choose to get Exparel, a non-opioid medication injected adjacent to the incision site that delivers time-release pain relief over 72 hours. After a wisdom tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and your gum tissue is sutured. To help control bleeding, we’ll ask you to bite down on a piece of gauze placed at the site. You’ll rest under supervision at our practice until you’re ready to be driven home.

Before leaving, we’ll provide you with a postoperative kit that includes care instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. The good news is that many patients only require over-the-counter medication to control swelling or discomfort during recovery. With specialized surgical and medical training, our oral surgeons offer worry-free wisdom tooth extraction in Statesboro, GA, and Swainsboro, GA in a state-of-the-art, comfortable, and safe practice setting.