What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Learn About Third Molars and Having Them Removed

During the late teens or early twenties, many people develop an extra set of molars called wisdom teeth. These teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth of permanent teeth. However, the average mouth does not have room for an extra set of molars. Many dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth extracted because they can negatively affect your oral health.

Our oral surgeons, Dr. Christopher Galea and Dr. Broc Hammon, extract wisdom teeth in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. We offer many types of anesthesia and sedation and keep you informed about your treatment every step of the way. To schedule a consultation regarding wisdom teeth removal, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today!

Why Should I Go to an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage wisdom teeth and other conditions that affect the head, neck, mouth, and jaws. A general dentist is often the first dental professional to identify the presence of wisdom teeth through X-rays at checkup appointments. Once wisdom teeth are detected, the dentist will refer patients to an oral surgeon for further diagnosing and extraction. Oral surgeons undergo many additional years of training after dental school. During this time, they learn how to administer anesthesia, which is used for wisdom teeth removal in most cases.

All oral surgeons are dentists, but not all dentists are oral surgeons. Some dentists perform simple tooth extractions using local anesthesia, but oral surgeons are the most qualified dental experts to perform both simple and complex oral or facial surgical procedures. Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon are highly skilled oral surgeons who manage wisdom teeth cases at our Reno and Sparks, NV, offices. If you would like an evaluation or have been referred by your dentist to see an oral surgeon, we invite you to contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today.

Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Because there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth, they can negatively affect your oral health. Wisdom teeth are large and unpredictable. They can push against adjacent molars, causing damage and knocking other teeth out of alignment. Wisdom teeth may become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums. Partially impacted wisdom teeth easily trap food and bacteria because they have not fully emerged through the gums and are difficult to clean. Fully impacted wisdom teeth are below the gums completely and develop at an angle, posing a greater threat to nearby molars.

Having wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon prevents these health problems and more from having the chance to occur. At Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we make the wisdom tooth extraction process easy and comfortable for every patient and their families.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Reno and Sparks, NV

We perform wisdom teeth removal at both of our offices in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. If it’s time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth evaluated or extracted, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled oral surgeons.