Wisdom Teeth Removal in Meridian, ID

Third Molar Extraction

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are typically the final teeth to develop in the human mouth, appearing between the ages of 17 and 21. Unfortunately, many people experience issues when these teeth emerge due to a lack of space in the jaw. In most cases, wisdom teeth removal is recommended to prevent problems such as crowding, gum infections, tooth decay, periodontal disease and cyst formation. Early removal can save you from pain and complications down the road.

At Alpine Surgical Arts - Oral & Cosmetic Surgery in Boise, ID, Dr. Arman Haghighi, Dr. Brian Rowan, and Dr. Syrus Haghighi, both board-certified surgeons, specialize in wisdom tooth extractions. With years of experience and a compassionate team, we are dedicated to providing a positive and comfortable surgical experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth, but for most, extraction is necessary due to space constraints and the risk of complications. The best time for wisdom tooth removal is typically in the early to mid-teen years, as recovery is generally faster, and the teeth are less developed. However, wisdom teeth can still be removed at any stage of adulthood.

Your dentist will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth at routine checkups and refer you to an oral surgeon when extraction becomes necessary. If you're experiencing any discomfort, pain, or swelling between visits, reach out to us for a consultation.

Sign Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Removed

Many patients experience symptoms when their wisdom teeth begin to emerge, including:

• Pain or Discomfort: Severe pain in the back of the mouth is a common sign that your wisdom teeth may be impacted, erupting at an odd angle, or causing damage to neighboring teeth. This discomfort can radiate into the jaw, neck, and ears.
• Irritated Gums: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause the surrounding gum tissue to swell and become tender, leading to difficulty cleaning the area properly or even gum disease.
• Limited Jaw Movement: If wisdom teeth are crowding a nearby tooth or causing misalignment, you may find it harder to open your mouth fully.
• Bad breath or bad taste: Bacteria can accumulate around impacted teeth, leading to an unpleasant taste in your mouth and persistent bad breath.
• Sinus Congestion: Upper wisdom teeth can put pressure on the sinus cavities, leading to congestion, sinus pain, or headaches.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon at Alpine Surgical Arts - Oral & Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Arman Haghighi, Dr. Brian Rowan, and Dr. Syrus Haghighi are experienced oral & maxillofacial surgeons who can evaluate your wisdom teeth and create a treatment plan to restore your oral health.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery

Before your wisdom tooth extraction, you will receive a comprehensive consultation from one of our board-certified oral surgeons who will assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss the symptoms you may be experiencing. They will take the time to answer any questions you may have and explain the surgical procedure in detail, including any pre-surgical preparation.

On the day of your procedure, anesthesia will be administered to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the surgery. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your specific case and the complexity of the extraction. IV sedation is commonly used for wisdom teeth extraction, as it allows patients to be in a sleep-like state during the procedure, with minimal awareness of the surgery itself. You may drift in and out of sleep and will likely have little to no memory of the surgery afterward.

For wisdom teeth that have already erupted through the gums, a straightforward extraction with dental forceps will be performed. This type of extraction is typically quicker, as the tooth is more accessible. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or partially covered by bone, a more involved procedure is necessary. Your oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, and in some cases, it may be necessary to split the tooth into sections or remove a portion of the surrounding bone. Once the tooth has been successfully removed, sutures will be placed to close the incision and promote healing.

Following the surgery, you will be provided with clear recovery instructions to help you heal properly and avoid complications. These instructions will outline how to care for the extraction sites, what medications to take, and how to reduce swelling. Preventing dry socket, a condition in which the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, is a key aspect of post-surgical care. Your oral surgeon will advise you on what to avoid, such as smoking, drinking through a straw, and rinsing your mouth vigorously, as these actions can interfere with healing.

Recovery times vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the oral surgery procedure. While some patients feel ready to resume normal activities within a few days, others may need a bit more time. Common symptoms after surgery include swelling, soreness, and some difficulty opening the mouth. These symptoms should gradually improve over time. Pain can be managed with prescribed medications and by using ice packs as directed. By following your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully, you can expect a smooth recovery and return to your usual routine within a few days to a week.