Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sparks, NV
Prevent and Treat Symptoms Caused by Third Molars
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They usually begin developing around the age of 17 or during the early twenties. Some people develop all four third molars, while others develop more than four or none at all. Common symptoms of wisdom teeth include pain in the back of the mouth, swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, and being able to see the tooth poking up through the gums. When it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed, visit our board-certified oral surgeons Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon in Sparks, NV, for a safe and comfortable surgical experience.
Treating an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth is trying to emerge into the dental arch, it can become trapped beneath the gums. This is known as impaction, and impacted teeth should be removed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. An impacted tooth can be partially emerged, allowing you to see the top of the tooth poking through the gums, or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue. Impacted teeth are difficult to properly clean around, leaving you prone to the formation of cysts, tumors, and infection.
Impacted teeth grow at an angle toward your other teeth. This can push them out of proper position and damage nearby roots and nerves. Having wisdom teeth removed, whether they are impacted or have fully pushed through the gums, eliminates the risk of future oral health complications associated with third molars.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
It is rare for a wisdom tooth to fully develop and never cause problems, which is why many dentists and oral surgeons recommend having them removed as soon as possible. At your regular dental visits, your dentist takes X-rays to track the development of third molars and will refer you to an oral surgeon when it’s time to have them removed. Younger patients often have easier recoveries because the teeth have not fully developed yet. If you leave wisdom teeth untreated, their large roots will fully develop and they may have already caused significant damage to your other teeth.
Wisdom teeth may not always cause pain, but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be removed. Leaving them to develop on their own can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, nerve and root damage, and dental overcrowding. Avoid these issues by having a consultation with Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon to have your wisdom teeth taken out at Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
When you visit Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Sparks, NV, for your consultation, Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will perform an oral examination and take 3D scans of your mouth. Most patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure, which puts them into a sleep-like state.
On the day of your surgery, we will administer the chosen form of anesthesia and ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Our oral surgery practice always excels beyond the standards for sterilization and infection control to ensure the health and safety of our staff and patients. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will begin the procedure, which usually takes about one hour.
Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will remove any visible wisdom teeth with forceps. They may make incisions in the gum tissue or break impacted teeth into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Once your wisdom teeth are out, They will place dissolvable sutures as needed, and you will rest until the sedation wears off. It is your responsibility to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the surgery, drive you home, and remain with you for 24 hours.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sparks, NV
The cost of having your wisdom teeth removed at Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will depend on how many wisdom teeth you need removed, your choice of anesthesia, and your dental insurance. During your first visit, we will discuss these factors and provide a cost estimate. Our office will send a claim to your insurance on your behalf, and we offer flexible payment plans for your convenience. Please remember that payment is due at the time of service, regardless of your insurance coverage.
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
Selina
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi, my name is Selina, and I’m from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. I would describe this practice as very friendly from the moment you walk in. The staff just makes you feel very welcomed. Dr. Galea does amazing things here at Northern Nevada Oral Surgery. He just makes you feel really comfortable and confident about what he does. The procedure was a great success and my recovery was very smooth. I am thrilled that I had my procedure done here. Overall, I had a great experience, and I highly recommend Dr. Galea."
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."
Citlally
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi! My name is Citlally Midrano, and I'm from Reno, NV, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. The practice here is very open and very welcoming. It felt like a family environment, everybody was super nice and always smiling. Dr. Galea is really nice. He made sure that I was ready for my surgery, and made sure that I was informed, and he checked on me after my surgery. I'm so happy that I got my procedure done here with Dr. Galea. If you live in Reno or Verdae and need to get your wisdom teeth removed, I would definitely recommend Northern Nevada Oral Surgery. Dr. Galea will take amazing care of you here. "
Gianna
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Patient
"Hi, I'm Gianna. I'm from Reno, and I had my wisdom teeth taken out. When I first came here and met the staff, everybody was very warm and welcoming, and it made me excited to be here. Dr. Galea, as a person, is very friendly. He's very nice, answered all my questions, and was easy to reach if I had any questions. The procedure went very well, and the recovery was very simple and easy. My overall experience with this practice was amazing. To all my family and friends in Spanish Springs, I highly recommend Northern Nevada Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for wisdom tooth removal?
Follow your pre-operative instructions closely and carefully. If you are undergoing anesthesia or IV sedation, be sure not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours prior to surgery. Having anything in your stomach during surgery increases the risk of complications, nausea, and vomiting.
Does it hurt to get your wisdom teeth removed?
We make every surgical experience as comfortable as possible and offer many anesthesia and sedation options. IV sedation is typically used for wisdom teeth removal, which puts you into a sleep-like state. You will be able to answer questions asked by your surgeon, but will not remember the procedure after the sedation wears off. At the end of the procedure, Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will administer a local anesthetic to the numb the surgical area while you travel home to rest.
How much time off do you need for wisdom tooth removal?
You can expect to be sleepy for the rest of the day following surgery. Most patients return to their normal routines a few days after surgery, sometimes even the next day. Properly cleaning your surgical sites and drinking a lot of fluids will expedite healing.
When can I eat normally after wisdom tooth removal?
It takes about 2 weeks for the surgical sites to fully heal. Take in proper nourishment and do not skip meals, but avoid foods that could harm your surgical site. Do not use straws, as the suction could dislodge the blood clot and produce dry socket. Return to your normal diet as tolerated, and rinse your mouth with a salt water solution to prevent infection.
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