Wisdom Teeth Removal in Cincinnati, OH
Protect Your Long-Term Oral Health
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth to develop. For many people, these molars develop between the ages of 17 and 21. Some people develop all four wisdom teeth, while others develop only a few, more than four, or none at all. Unfortunately, the average adult mouth does not have enough room to house these extra molars. Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible because, if left untreated, these molars can cause many oral health problems.
At Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of Cincinnati, our oral surgeons, Dr. Robert Lucas, Dr. Garrett Seghi, and Dr. Eric Murnan, perform wisdom tooth extractions in the comfort of our offices. We have two locations in Cincinnati and can extract wisdom teeth for patients of all ages. If you or your child have wisdom teeth, contact us in Cincinnati to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Without enough room to erupt into the dental arch, wisdom teeth can grow at an angle or become stuck beneath the gums. This is known as impaction, and impacted wisdom teeth must be surgically removed because they cannot erupt naturally. Whether a wisdom tooth has erupted or is impacted, having these molars extracted can prevent issues such as:
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Cysts that develop around a partially impacted tooth
- Inflamed gum tissue
- Infection or gum disease
- Crowding, which may require orthodontic treatment to correct
- Pain or swelling near the back of the mouth
During dental checkups, your general dentist uses X-rays to check for wisdom teeth and other dental issues. If wisdom teeth are detected, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon when it's time to have them extracted. It's important to attend regular appointments with your dentist because the sooner wisdom teeth and other dental issues are addressed, the better the outcome.
When Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There is no specific age that everyone should have wisdom teeth removed. The right time for your extraction will depend on the size and location of the wisdom teeth. In rare cases, we may recommend leaving the wisdom teeth in the mouth if they are not causing any issues and are able to erupt properly. In most cases, however, extraction is necessary.
The late teens or early twenties are typically an ideal time to have wisdom teeth removed. Third molars are easier to extract when they have not yet fully developed, and younger patients tend to recover faster after surgery. At Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of Cincinnati, we can extract wisdom teeth for patients of any age. We see many adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond for wisdom teeth removal.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
When you visit our office for the first time, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and face and evaluate your oral health. You will meet with one of our oral surgeons, who will discuss your oral health and treatment options. If it's time to have wisdom teeth extracted, we will help you select the right type of anesthesia for the procedure and provide you with pre-operative instructions to follow.
On the day of your procedure, we will administer the chosen form of anesthesia. Once it has taken effect, your oral surgeon will use forceps to extract wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth may be fully or partially visible. To access these teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue. The impacted wisdom teeth may be broken into smaller pieces to make removal easier, and suture will be placed as necessary once the tooth has been extracted. After the anesthesia wears off, you will be ready to go home.
Types of Anesthesia
Learn more about the types of anesthesia and sedation options available.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to the hospital to have wisdom teeth removed?
You do not need to go to a hospital to have wisdom teeth extracted. Wisdom teeth removal is a type of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedure that oral surgeons perform in their office. Oral surgeons undergo many years of surgical training and are the only dental experts qualified to administer all types of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia, laughing gas, and intravenous sedation.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Ohio?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on several factors, such as how many teeth you need extracted, the anesthesia you select, your dental insurance, and the complexity of the surgery. We will provide you with a cost estimate for your wisdom tooth procedure during the first visit.
Our practice accepts many payment methods and financing to help you afford the oral surgery you need. Find out how much your wisdom teeth removal would cost by scheduling an appointment with our oral health experts.
What is a dry socket after tooth extraction?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot forming within a tooth socket becomes dislodged. This condition is quite painful because the bone and nerves beneath the socket are exposed. Avoid vigorous rinsing, using straws, and smoking after surgery to prevent dry socket.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal is different for everyone, but many patients return to work or school within a day or two. It will take about 2 weeks for the extraction sites to completely heal, but you can resume your routine when you feel up to it.
Post-surgical swelling and discomfort can be expected to some degree, but this will subside quickly. You can manage these symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain medications, applying an ice pack to the face, and following your post-operative instructions closely.
Cincinnati’s Destination for Oral Surgery Excellence
At Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of Cincinnati, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional patient care and clinical outcomes to the greater Cincinnati area. Contact our offices in Cincinnati or Mason, OH, to schedule a consultation and see how oral surgery can improve your smile, confidence, and health.