Wisdom Teeth Extractions Maui

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Kahului

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to emerge in the mouth, typically in the late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, they often cause issues that require removal to ensure oral health and prevent potential problems later in life.

Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner at the back of the mouth. However, some may have fewer or even none at all. Because our diets have changed over centuries, we no longer need wisdom teeth to chew coarse, fibrous foods. Removing the wisdom teeth does not affect one’s ability to eat and can alleviate various problems.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Cyst Formation

Wisdom teeth can become impacted and trapped beneath the gum line, forming cysts or fluid-filled sacs. These cysts can cause damage to the surrounding bone and tissue if left untreated.

Infection

Impacted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of infection. This can result in pain, swelling, and even the development of abscesses.

Crowding

The emergence of wisdom teeth can exert pressure on existing teeth, causing them to shift out of alignment. This crowding can lead to bite issues, misalignment, and difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Damage to Other Teeth

Wisdom teeth that do not erupt properly can push against neighboring teeth, causing damage to adjacent structures, including roots and nerves.

Tooth Decay

Partially emerged wisdom teeth are more difficult to keep clean because they overlap with adjacent teeth or are partially covered by gum tissue. This can contribute to tooth decay.

What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough space in the jaw for the teeth to emerge fully. As a result, they may grow at an angle, become trapped beneath the gum line, or only partially emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth are common, with studies suggesting that up to 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.

Common symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth include:

• Swollen, red gums.
• Tender, bleeding gums.
• Swelling around the jaw.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Jaw pain.
• Difficulty opening the mouth.
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Severe or prolonged toothache.
• Bleeding or pus when brushing the back teeth.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should contact your dentist or Maui Jaw Surgical Institute at Maui Jaw Surgical Institute Office Phone Number (808) 242-0077 to schedule an evaluation of your wisdom teeth.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed When I am Young?

Dr. Strawn recommends having your wisdom teeth removed when you are in your teens or early twenties, even if they are not impacted. As a preventative measure, removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems can prevent more serious and expensive dental issues later in life.

Younger individuals tend to have faster healing times and experience fewer complications following wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth roots are not fully formed in younger individuals, making extraction less complicated and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding nerves and structures.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Before wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Strawn conducts a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and determine a treatment plan. On the day of surgery, you are given a local anesthetic to numb the area. If you are anxious about the procedure, we can also offer additional options, such as IV sedation. The surgery typically takes 30-90 minutes, depending on how many teeth are removed and the complexity of the removal.

Sedation Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dr. Strawn and the surgical team focus on your safety and comfort, offering several sedation options depending on your preference and health. All patients receive a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, gums, and surrounding bone to block pain sensations.

For those who are nervous or may suffer from dental anxiety, IV sedation, sometimes called Twilight Sleep, is a sedative given through a vein to induce a state of deep relaxation and reduce anxiety during the procedure.

If the surgery is complex or you have a severe dental phobia, we may recommend General Anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious during the surgery. You are carefully monitored at all times under general anesthesia.

Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well-trained, experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on a regular basis on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners to ensure your safety.

Recovery

Following the extraction, please follow the post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Strawn. These include resting, avoiding strenuous activities, and adhering to a soft diet until the surgical site heals. You will need someone to drive you home following surgery and to keep an eye on you for the first 24 hours until all anesthesia is out of your system.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may need pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first to see if that relieves the pain. If not, begin the prescription pain medication provided by Dr. Strawn. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as Jell-O and broth and gradually increasing the amount of soft foods over the next several days.

We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

Wisdom Teeth FAQs

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?

It varies depending on how many teeth are removed, the complexity of the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and other factors. Dr. Strawn will review all costs with you at your initial appointment.

Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

Most dental insurance plans cover part or all of wisdom teeth removal if the teeth are impacted. If the teeth are being removed as a precaution, it depends on your coverage. It is best to contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage limits and copay. Our staff can help you obtain the maximum coverage for your surgery.

Do I need to take time off work or school for wisdom teeth surgery?

Yes. We recommend taking 3-4 days off following wisdom teeth removal to give yourself plenty of time to heal. During this time, getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are crucial.