Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth: A Guide for Parents and Patients

Patients:

You’ve been told you need your wisdom teeth out. What’s next?

The removal of wisdom teeth is a routine procedure in our office, but it probably doesn’t feel that way to you. For many of our patients, just hearing the words “surgery” and “extraction” tends to bring up some fears. Dr. Biggerstaff and Dr. Parker want you to know that wisdom teeth extraction is safe, quick, and comfortable.

What are wisdom teeth, anyway?

We each get three sets of molars during our lifetime – the first molars arrive at age six, the second at age 12, and the third molars develop during the late teens and early twenties. Because it is during this age that children become wiser and transition into adulthood, we refer to the “third molars” as “wisdom teeth”.

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Why they need to be pulled:

Your mouth was designed to hold 28 teeth, not 32. By the time your wisdom teeth start to grow, those 28 slots are already filled, making it difficult for them to grow in properly. That’s why 9 out of 10 people find themselves with at least one impacted wisdom tooth that requires extraction. Even when properly positioned, wisdom teeth can easily become infected, and are at risk for cysts and tumors (see “The Trouble with Wisdom Teeth”, below).

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Call our Kernersville office at Kernersville Office Phone Number 336-992-2123 or our Bermuda Run/Advance office at Bermuda Run/Advance Office Phone Number 336-998-3300 with questions or to request an online appointment.

With wisdom teeth, everything is timing.

You may have noticed that many of your friends are having their wisdom teeth pulled out too. Why? That’s because there is an optimal (yet fleeting) opportunity between the ages of 17-25 when the tooth roots haven’t fully formed yet. Thus, the risk of damaging nearby nerves, bones and teeth during this time is significantly less.

Wisdom Teeth Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.

Wisdom Teeth Presentation

Parents:

Choosing the Right Oral Surgeon for your Child

As oral surgery specialists with extensive training and experience, we are able to offer a different kind of “wisdom teeth experience” to our patients and their families. We are with you every step of the way and pay extra attention to the most critical parts of your child’s care, including:

  • Anesthesia with a variety of options available.
  • Compassion and comfort to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
  • Home care and after-hours contact information.
  • A thoughtful surgical strategy to minimize the need for invasive techniques.
  • Careful consideration of timing to ensure the easiest recovery possible.

The Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal

The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on several circumstances (positioning, level of impaction, number of teeth) that are unique to your teen’s case. We will discuss all costs with you upfront and can help you determine whether your insurance offers any benefits for the procedure.

The Cost of Waiting

Because it is so common for wisdom teeth to cause problems such as infection, pain, damage to neighboring teeth and, in rare circumstances, cysts and tumors, it is generally recognized as standard practice to remove them in most people during the late teens and early twenties, before the roots have fully developed. Waiting to remove them increases the likelihood of problems and complications should they need to be removed down the road.

Complications of Wisdom Tooth Removal

As with any surgical procedure, there are some possible complications associated with the removal of the third molars. However, since the procedure has been very well tested, these complications (nerve injuries, fractures and injury to the joint) are very rare, and, if the surgery is performed at an early age, the risk is even less.

The Trouble with Wisdom Teeth

Are you still feeling unsure? Consider this: Wisdom teeth that are not removed can cause the following problems throughout your life:

A representation of a pericoronitis infection on a wisdom tooth

Infection:

Your gums can become infected, a condition known as “pericoronitis”, due to the wisdom teeth unsuccessfully trying to push through the gum tissue. This condition, which causes pain, swelling and problems swallowing, can recur periodically.

An example of a cyst formation on a wisdom tooth

Cysts and Benign Tumors:

Cysts are fluid-filled pockets that can form inside the jawbone when wisdom teeth are impacted. They can be very damaging and difficult to treat as they destroy jawbone and even neighboring teeth.

An illustration of teeth crowding caused by a wisdom tooth

Crowding and Alignment Issues:

It should be no surprise that impacted wisdom teeth crowd your smile, causing misalignment issues, even if you have had braces

A visual of a wisdom tooth damaging an adjacent tooth

Damage to Nearby Teeth:

Wisdom teeth are notorious for damaging their neighbors by making it difficult to practice good hygiene in the area. This often results in decay, gum disease and sometimes bone loss.

If you have been putting off wisdom teeth surgery, give us a call – we can give you the calm, safe, comfortable experience you are looking for!

Advanced Oral & Facial Surgery of the Triad

5 out of 5 stars based on 11 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Went over and beyond for me! I was super nervous going in, and the nurses were gentle and comforting. Doctor Parker did an amazing job, everything went extremely smooth. My recovery was quicker than expected and I had no problems.

- Emaline S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was very anxious prior to my wisdom teeth extractions, but Dr. Parker and his assistant were very efficient, knowledgeable and demonstrated great expertise while preparing for and conducting the extractions. They both showed care and concern for my comfort and Dr. Parker made very quick work of the extractions. I did not feel any pain during the extractions and only very little following. I will not hesitate to return as required and recommend this doctor - and practice - without reservation.

- Cory M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My son had his wisdom teeth removed today and from day 1 (the consultation) to today for the procedure the office was very friendly and informative. I called with a question after we were home and was treated very well and they were very helpful and answered my question. Dr. Biggerstaff and her staff took care of my son and I would highly recommend this office to anyone.

- Dana H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff and Dr. Parker were great. They work as a team and are professional and courteous. More importantly they are just nice, quality people. They are patient and go above and beyond to make an often stressful time, as relaxing and comforting as possible.

- Adrian T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great group of people who enjoy what they do!

- Thomas B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Parker and his staff were wonderful. The whole experience was great.

- Amanda S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The entire staff was friendly and really nice. They made me feel welcomed and answered every question that I had.

- Netta S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

D. Wesley Parker II, DDS, MD and his staff are very professional and friendly people who care about their patients needs and concerns. They constantly check to make sure you are okay and they go over post-procedure steps with you to make sure once you leave the office you know how to care for yourself or loved one.

- William H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Parker and his staff were awesome! My wisdom teeth surgery went perfectly, with no excruciating pain after the procedure. Highly recommend him and his staff to others in the area needing oral surgery!

- Carrie G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience with wisdom teeth removal. Very professional, quick but thorough, and clean.

- D B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

absolutely would come back if need and I recommend dr. parker to anyone he was very good.

- mikaela c

5 out of 5 stars on