Wisdom Teeth Removal in Reno, NV
Remove Third Molars Early & Recognize Symptoms
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop. The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, so an extra set of molars trying to push their way in can cause some problems. Dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth extracted early to avoid the health issues associated with leaving these teeth untreated, which range from infection to the formation of cysts and tumors.
If you experience pain in the back of your mouth, an unpleasant taste indicating infection, swelling, or can see the top of a wisdom tooth poking through the gums, contact us in Reno to schedule an appointment with Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
A wisdom tooth is considered to be impacted when it is trapped beneath the gums and cannot successfully erupt into the dental arch. It is rare for an impacted tooth to naturally erupt and surgical intervention is typically necessary. Impacted teeth grow at an angle toward nearby teeth, pushing them out of alignment. An impacted tooth is difficult to properly clean around, leaving you prone to infection and the formation of cysts or tumors around the tooth.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
If you do not have your wisdom teeth removed, they may cause oral health issues down the line such as bone loss, tooth decay, oral pain, gum disease, and more. Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon recommend having third molars extracted as soon as possible. Your general dentist takes X-rays at checkups to monitor the development of these teeth and will refer you to an oral surgeon when it’s time to have them removed. If you’re unsure whether or not you have wisdom teeth and are in need of treatment, contact our office in Reno, NV, for an appointment.
Wisdom teeth may not always cause pain, but they should be evaluated by a dentist or oral surgeon. As a wisdom tooth develops, its roots become longer and the jaw bone becomes more dense. When removing them in your 30s and beyond, the tooth is fully developed and can lead to longer surgery and recovery times. Younger patients have easier recoveries and overall fewer complications. Learn more about wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery in Reno, NV
Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons regularly perform safe and effective wisdom teeth removal procedures at our offices in Reno and Sparks, NV. Dr. Christopher Galea and Dr. Broc Hammon are board-certified oral surgeons trained to administer all forms of anesthesia and sedation, allowing you to rest comfortably in the care of our expert team.
Many patients undergo IV sedation, which puts them into a semi-conscious state unable to feel pain. On the day of your surgery, Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will administer the anesthesia and make necessary incisions in the gum tissue to remove impacted teeth. Any teeth visible above the gum line will be removed with forceps. They will place dissolvable sutures as needed and your designated driver, who should remain with you for 24 hours, will take you home.
Follow your instructions closely to maintain proper oral hygiene and take care of your surgical sites. You will need to rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution and can manage pain and swelling with ice packs or over-the-counter pain medication. Your recovery is crucial for healing properly and preventing infection or dry sockets.
How Much Does it Cost to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The cost of having third molars extracted depends on how many teeth you need removed, your choice of anesthesia, and your insurance. We will discuss all of these factors during your first visit and provide you with an accurate cost estimate upfront. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for any surgical procedure. Our staff will help you obtain the maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
Types of Anesthesia
There are three main types of anesthesia that we use at our practice:
Hear From Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing wisdom tooth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
Emilia
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi, my name is Emilia. I'm from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked in the staff made me feel very comfortable. They kept me informed and it kept my mind at ease. Dr. Galea explained everything to me and made me feel very comfortable. It was a very easy surgery and recovery, which just made it a lot easier for me. My overall experience here was really positive. I'm so glad I chose Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth done. To my friends and family in Reno, who need their wisdom teeth removed, I recommend Northern Nevada Oral Surgery. "
Josh
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi! My name's Josh and I'm from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. Walking through the doors it was a very pleasant environment. Dr. Galea was really nice to me. He constantly asked me if I was doing okay, if I was comfortable, how I was feeling, and it made me feel a lot better and more comfortable. The staff here were very personable. They took the time to get to know me, and it put me at ease. The surgery was a success and the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. If you live in Spanish Springs or live in Lemon Valley, and if you need oral surgery, I definitely recommend Dr. Galea. The quality here is amazing. "
Jacob
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi, I'm Jacob from Reno and I got my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Galea. When I first walked in—staff was bright and cheerful and I felt like I was in good hands. Dr. Galea was a great doctor. He walked me through everything and the procedure was very well done. Within a few days I was feeling fine and it was back to normal. It's a lot nicer now that I can smile more and be more confident in the things I do from day to day. My overall experience here was amazing. I would highly recommend Dr. Galea to anyone who needs their wisdom teeth taken out."
Drew
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi, my name is Drew, I’m from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. I would describe this practice as welcoming, positive, uplifting. Dr. Galea made me feel comforted and at ease when I came in. He asked about my life and tries to get to know me better, so I appreciate that a lot. The procedure was super successful and the recovery was short due to the great work that Dr. Galea and his staff did. They made the process of getting my wisdom teeth removed easier than I could have ever imagined. If you live in Spanish Springs and Lemmon Valley and need oral surgery, I recommend Dr. Galea. "
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time off do you need for wisdom teeth removal?
It can take up to 2 weeks for your surgical sites to fully heal, but you can expect to return to your normal routine a few days after surgery. Avoid strenuous physical activity and keep your surgical sites clean by closely following your instructions.
Should I get 2 or 4 wisdom teeth removed?
You should have all of your wisdom teeth removed at the same time. This prevents future complications from having the chance to arise. Even if all of your wisdom teeth are infection-free and not causing any pain, they should still be removed to prevent future issues.
Are you asleep during wisdom teeth removal?
Many patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure, which will put you into a sleep-like state. You will be able to answer questions asked by your oral surgeon, but you won’t remember the procedure or experience discomfort. This is different from general anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious and is used for more complex surgeries like corrective jaw surgery.
How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?
Follow your pre-operative instructions closely and be sure not to have anything to eat or drink 8 hours prior to the appointment. Don’t smoke for 12 hours before surgery and wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow. It is your responsibility to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the office, remain in the office during surgery, and drive you home after surgery.
How painful is wisdom teeth removal?
IV sedation is most commonly used for wisdom teeth removal. IV sedation will render you into a semi-conscious state and you will not feel pain. You will drift in and out of consciousness and be able to respond to questions asked by your surgeon, but will likely have no memory of the procedure after the anesthesia wears off.
Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?
Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary to protect your oral health. These molars are not necessary for oral function because you already have molars that chew food. Wisdom teeth should be removed as soon as possible, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like pain, swelling, gum tenderness, or if any third molars are impacted.
Because there is not room for them in the dental arch, wisdom teeth can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay that could be prevented by having third molars removed. By having wisdom teeth extracted, you can prevent them from causing other complications like dental shifting, pain, damage to other teeth, infections, and more.
What can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Start with clear liquids like juice, tea, or broth, and ramp up your diet as tolerated. Be sure to cool down anything hot for the first 24 hours. If you underwent IV sedation for surgery, do not eat fatty, creamy, or oily foods because they may cause nausea.
Stick to soft foods for the first few days after surgery and try to incorporate vitamins and minerals into your diet to assist wound healing. This can include eggs, soups, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, yogurts, and smoothies. Cold foods may also help alleviate some discomfort. Avoid eating hard or very chewy foods for 2 weeks, such as pizza crust, steak, jerky, nuts, or popcorn.
When can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Do not eat for 2 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed. This will give time for blood clots to form undisturbed.
How long does the wisdom teeth procedure take?
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes less than an hour or less to complete. This time may vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth you need extracted and how many of them are impacted. If you only need one wisdom tooth extracted, your procedure may be completed in about 20 minutes.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
While it can take up to 2 weeks for the extraction sites to fully heal, you can resume your normal activities as soon as you feel up to it. Many people return to work or school the day after surgery or the following day. Follow instructions provided by your oral surgeon closely regarding sports or other physical activities to ensure a speedy recovery.
When can I use a straw after wisdom teeth removal?
Do not use a straw for the first 5 days after surgery. The suction from a straw could dislodge the blood clot forming within the empty tooth socket, a dry socket. When the blood clot is dislodged, the bone and nerves underneath are exposed, which can be quite painful.If you think you have a dry socket, contact our office immediately.
How long after wisdom teeth removal can I work out?
Unless your surgeon says otherwise, avoid vigorous physical activity for 3 days after having wisdom teeth removed. Physical activity causes blood pressure to increase, which could then increase your swelling, pain, and bleeding. You may begin to increase your activity level 5–7 days after surgery with activities such as tennis or jogging.
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