Prevent Health Complications Caused by Wisdom Teeth
Most people’s third molars emerge in the mid to late teens. If you’re experiencing pain in the back of the mouth behind your second molars, it’s likely that your wisdom teeth are developing. Unfortunately, most patients’ mouths are only equipped to hold 28 teeth and are not large enough to properly accommodate the growth of third molars. Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth removed to prevent complications from arising. Many patients undergo this procedure around the age of 17, but you can have your wisdom teeth extracted at any age.If you need your wisdom teeth removed in Camas, WA, we encourage you to visit Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Lieblick and Dr. Rehrer are experts at extracting wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, and will make your procedure and recovery as comfortable and easy as possible.
Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth
The bicuspids, incisors, and canines, or the teeth in the front of the mouth, allow you to chew properly, but wisdom teeth provide a grinding power that we simply don’t need with our diets. There are more problems than benefits associated with wisdom teeth, which is why dental professionals recommend having them removed.
It’s common for wisdom teeth to begin developing sideways when there’s not enough room in the back of the jaw. When this happens, they can grow right into the roots of the nearby second molars and damage the teeth. If the teeth are not removed before this happens, it can cause a chain reaction of dental shifting, damaging other teeth such as maxillary and mandibular incisors, canines, and other molars.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has become trapped beneath the gum tissue. It must be surgically removed, because it is not likely to erupt into the dental arch. An impacted tooth is difficult to clean around and can leave you prone to infections or the formation of cysts. Other health problems associated with wisdom teeth include:
- Oral pain and discomfort
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Dental crowding
- Impaction, infection, cysts, and even tumors
If you have suffered any jaw pain, have been told your wisdom teeth are developing improperly or impacted, or been recommended to our office for extraction, we encourage you to contact our office. Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons performs wisdom teeth extractions to patients in Camas, Vancouver, and surrounding Washington areas.
PODCAST
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? A Look at Evolution.
Why do we have wisdom teeth if they so often cause problems today? In this episode, Dr. Russell Lieblick and Dr. Brandon Rehrer explore the fascinating evolutionary origins of third molars—and why they were once essential for survival. From our ancestors' tough, raw diets to the rise of cooking and tool use, we discuss how changing lifestyles led to smaller jaws while wisdom teeth stuck around. Learn how this mismatch contributes to common issues like impaction, infection, and jaw pain. We also break down the genetic factors behind why some people never develop these teeth at all.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Treatment for every patient is different and will depend on several factors, including the stage of the molar’s development and whether they’re impacted. At your consultation, your oral surgeon will review any existing X-rays as well as take any additional 3D scans needed. These images will help him determine the exact position of your teeth and develop a detailed treatment plan for extraction. We will also discuss your anesthesia options.
Most removals are performed when the teeth are still beneath the gums. At your surgical appointment, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Your surgeon will make any incisions in the gum tissue as needed prior to extracting the teeth. In some cases, we may break the teeth into several pieces. This allows a smaller surgical site and an easier removal process. Your surgeon will place dissolvable sutures and you will be driven home by your prearranged driver when the anesthesia wears off.
Stem Cell Banking with Stemodontics®
Body: Your wisdom teeth contain many stem cells, which can be stored in a laboratory after your wisdom teeth are removed. By banking stem cells with Stemodontics, you are given peace of mind when it comes to future health crises because these important cells can differentiate into different types of cells in the body. Ask about stem cells banking during your consultation or visit the Stemodontics® website to learn more.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several options for anesthesia to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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
"Hi, my name is Lauren. I live in Gresham, and I loved my experience at Beacon Oral Surgery. Dr. Lieblick and his staff were great. I had all my wisdom teeth taken out about five years ago, and haven’t had a problem. My recovery time was so quick, surgery was so great, and the staff was helpful, friendly, kind, supportive. I had a really great experience. I live in Gresham. I used to work in The Pearl and Clackamas and Beaverton, and everyone I’ve ran into over the years who needed to have wisdom teeth out for teenagers or themselves late in life, I always recommend coming to Beacon. The fact that they’re trained and the fact that they do take that extra step to become board certified and recognized by the state is really a comfort for me and for my other family members who have visited Beacon over the years."
"Hi, my name’s Melinda. I live in Camas, and I’m the mother of two teenage sons who had their wisdom teeth taken out from Dr. Rehrer. I’m a mother of five children, and so I see lots of doctors. I have four sons, and they get hurt a lot. What I like about Dr. Rehrer is that he has great bedside manner. He’s personable, he cares about his patients, and he’s interested in them. Everybody was really friendly, willing to answer all my questions, and always asking what they could do to help and make our experience positive. I have friends that live in Vancouver and Washougal, and I always recommend them to go to Dr. Rehrer because he’s just a competent, caring surgeon who I know I can trust and depend on to do a great job. Dr. Rehrer, he’s the best!"
"Hi! My name’s Jodie, and I live in Camas, Washington, and I brought my daughter, Absity, to Dr. Rehrer to have her wisdom teeth taken out. What I like about Dr. Rehrer is just his down-to-earth nature. He’s so knowledgeable and so good, and he made my daughter feel so comfortable in a kind of stressful situation. He was amazing with her. They were fantastic! Really, it was pretty easy, as a mom. They just brought me in, and I sat in the waiting room. They brought her back, and then they came and tapped me on the shoulder, and said, “Hey, she’s ready for you to pick her up.” They were fantastic, and they followed up with me as far as how she was doing, and how her treatment had been. They were outstanding. Having lived in Vancouver for almost twenty years, I have friends all over – in Vancouver, in Portland, in Camas. Of course, being a mother of four, I have tons of friends who are going to go through this very same thing, and I tell them all the time, “When your child is ready for their wisdom teeth to be taken out, Dr. Rehrer--He’s your guy. He’s just awesome. He makes you feel so good about what’s being done with your child, and you just kind of wait and relax, and you’re good to go.” I would just like to say that Dr. Rehrer is a phenomenal person. He’s a great oral surgeon; he’s a great man. He cares, he checks in with his patients, he makes them top priority. He’s just a wonderful person to be around, and a wonderful guy."
"I am Andrew, and I'm from Grass Valley, Oregon. I needed to have my wisdom teeth pulled. I was - I was nervous, just having surgery for once and having my mouth operated on. They were very professional, just kind of laying it out - how it's going to be and how it should be. You know, it's easy to feel comfortable around a bunch of pretty girls. Great! They did a great job; I don't remember it too much, but the job got done, clear and precise. My recovery was fine; they always checked up on me to see how I was doing and how I reacted to the surgery. What I liked about the staff was that they were very professional, courteous, and attentive to my needs. I would recommend Beacon completely."
"Hi, I'm Nickie, and I'm from The Dalles, Oregon. I went to Beacon to have my wisdom teeth extracted. I had waited a good 12 years to have my wisdom teeth extracted due to fear. The staff at Beacon — it was just super friendly from the beginning. Very knowledgeable, which made me feel totally comfortable. I'm the nightmare patient that's totally terrified of all things dentistry, so it really was nice to have that comforting feeling from them from the beginning. It was awesome. It was about a half an hour long from what I remember — I did go to sleep for my extractions — went straight home to bed. Everything was great. Post-op went really well. One day down time and then the next day was shopping in Portland. I would recommend Beacon to everyone that needs to have anything done with an oral surgeon. They are awesome."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time off do you need for wisdom teeth removal?
In most cases, healing takes only a couple days before patients can return to a normal diet and routine. Our office will provide you with instructions for post-operative care to ensure you recover quickly and comfortably. If you have any questions, we’d be happy to answer them.
How much does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
The cost of having wisdom teeth removed depends on how many wisdom teeth you have, if you require additional procedures, your insurance, and your choice of anesthesia. We will discuss all of these factors and provide a cost estimate during your first visit.
Is the third day the worst after wisdom tooth removal?
Swelling peaks around the third day. You can manage swelling and discomfort with ice packs and over-the-counter medications. Stick to soft foods for a few days and keep the surgical sites clean to prevent infection. Be sure not to use a straw for a week, as this could dislodge the blood clot and create dry socket.
How can I prepare for wisdom teeth extractions?
Read your pre-operative instructions closely, especially when undergoing anesthesia. You should have nothing to eat or drink after 12:00 midnight the night before your appointment—not even a sip of water. A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, stay in the office during your procedure, and take you home.
Experience Outstanding Oral Surgery Care
Prepare for your first visit, learn about our services, and more.