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 Carolyn. I’m from Lake Oswego, Oregon. [I] brought my 17-year-old son in to have his wisdom teeth removed with Dr. Lieblick. I would say one of the things that I noticed that stood out to me the most was the energy level. Coming in—great energy, felt very comfortable. The staff was really friendly. They were very welcoming. Dr. Lieblick has a very relaxed mannerism about him. He was very thorough in explaining everything that was going to happen. We left the patient consult feeling very comfortable and much more at ease than we did walking in the front door. For my friends and family in Milwaukie and in The Dalles, I highly recommend Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons."
"Hi, my name is Haylie, I'm from Camas, and I had my wisdom teeth pulled by Dr. Rehrer. How I would describe this office is cozy, welcoming, and friendly. When I came here, the staff made me feel comfortable. Dr. Rehrer is kind, compassionate, caring, and made me feel safe. The procedure went great. Recovery was quick and 3 days later, I played in a basketball game. Overall, I had an amazing experience here and I would definitely recommend Dr. Rehrer."
"My name is Logan. I’m from Oregon City, and I came to Beacon Oral Surgeons to get my wisdom teeth extracted. The team was really respectful to me, helped me feel welcome and comforted. Dr. Rehrer was super nice. My procedure was fast. It didn’t hurt at all. They helped me move around and got me out to my mom’s truck. It healed quick. I feel amazing having my wisdom teeth out. I would definitely come back here for more surgeries if I needed them. I would give Beacon a 5-star. If any of my friends from Hood River or Happy Valley needed an oral surgery, I would tell them to come here."
"Hi, my name is Willy, and I came to see Dr. Rehrer to get my wisdom teeth removed. The staff here is very friendly, very knowledgeable, and they treat you like they've known you for a long time. They go over everything very precisely and answer all your questions. Dr. Rehrer's a very great guy, was very nice, and he explained everything, so it was easy for me to understand. The whole procedure was very simple and quick. Overall, I had a great experience and I highly recommend Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons."
"Hi, I'm Elly, I'm from Gresham, and I came to Beacon for my wisdom teeth procedure. With Beacon, I came in and everything was so calm. The staff made sure I was comfortable the whole entire time. Any questions I had, they answered. They're so kind and so helpful. The doctor here was really understanding. He is so clear with his instructions. He walked me through everything. It was amazing. My procedure went here as smooth as can be, as perfect as you could want a procedure to go. My experience here was amazing. Everybody is so kind, and I'd 100% recommend Beacon Oral Surgery."
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
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