Comfortable Third Molar Extractions
Most people don’t have enough room in their dental arch to accommodate an extra set of molars, which is why dental professionals recommend having them removed. Also called third molars, wisdom teeth typically develop around the age of 17 or during the early twenties. If left untreated, they can cause many oral health complications.Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons provides patients near Milwaukie, OR, with safe and effective wisdom teeth removals. Most people don’t notice their third molars growing in until they start to cause pain or discomfort, which is why it’s important to have regular dental exams to evaluate them before they start causing problems.
Risks of Leaving Wisdom Teeth Untreated
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has become trapped beneath the gum tissue. They are difficult to clean around, often causing infection, cysts, or tumors. These can lead to more serious gum disease or tooth decay. Wisdom teeth have large roots, which can damage the roots of other teeth and nearby facial nerves. They can also push neighboring teeth out of alignment.
Most dental professionals recommend having the molars removed when they are in earlier stages of developments before they fully emerge from the gums. The teeth will be smaller and easier to remove at early stages, and you will prevent problems from developing later on. No two patients are alike, and some people’s teeth develop earlier than others, so there is no perfect age for removal, but most patients will have them removed sometime between ages 15 and 22.
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
If you need to have your molars removed at our office in Milwaukie, OR, you will first come in for a consultation, where Dr. Lieblick and Dr. Rehrer will design a custom treatment plan. We may take 3D scans of your mouth to determine the location of important nerves and other structures before your procedure. You will also have a chance to discuss your anesthesia options at this appointment. Our oral surgeons are trained and licensed to administer all forms of anesthesia, including local and general anesthesia, and nitrous oxide.
Your next appointment will be for your surgical procedure, where your oral surgeon will remove your molars. After administering your anesthetic, your oral surgeon will carefully remove the teeth in the least invasive manner possible. You will rest while your anesthesia wears off, then your driver will be able to escort you home and should remain with you for 24 hours.
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 your oral surgeon today or visit the Stemodontics® website to learn about the benefits of stem cell banking.
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
"My name's Brian. I'm from Portland, Oregon, and I came to Beacon Oral Surgery for a wisdom tooth procedure. How I felt when I first walked into Beacon Oral Surgery was—was comfortable, almost at home. They're all very nice people. They all greeted me at the door. I was paid attention to. I made to feel important. The doctor here was, well, accommodating, and he met all my needs. I had a fantastic surgery, and my recovery went well as well. Beacon Oral Surgery followed up with me for several weeks, just to make sure that I was doing okay. They far exceeded my expectations. They go above and beyond. I highly recommend Beacon Oral Surgery."
"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."
"I’m AJ, and I’m from Oregon City. I came to Beacon Oral Surgeons to get my wisdom teeth taken out. I heard of Beacon Oral Surgeons because my mom’s in the field, so she does referrals for this kind of stuff, and this was the first choice. I was extremely nervous to get my wisdom teeth taken out. The team here was amazing. They really helped me out and made me not scared to get my wisdom teeth removed. Now that I got them out, I feel great. I would rate my overall experience at five stars because the team was amazing to me, and I was in and out really quick, and my recovery time was amazing."
"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."
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wisdom teeth removal require stitches?
Impacted teeth often require small incisions in the gum tissue to access the teeth. Any incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures, which disappear on their own during recovery.
How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to heal?
Many patients return to their normal routines a few days following surgery. It takes about 2 weeks for your surgical sites to fully heal.
What helps wisdom teeth holes heal faster?
Follow your post-operative instructions closely and carefully. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to prevent infection and keep the surgical sites clean. Stick to soft food and avoid disturbing the tooth sockets. Contact Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons if you have questions at any point during recovery.
How do I know if I have dry socket or normal pain?
Some pain and swelling is expected for several days after surgery. You can manage this with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience a dry socket, which is caused when the blood clot becomes dislodged, you may feel sharp throbbing pain. Avoid straws and smoking for 1 week to help prevent dry socket and be sure to keep the extraction site clean. Contact our office if you experience pain beyond what is expected throughout the healing process.
Where can I get wisdom teeth removed in Portland, OR?
Patients of any age in Portland, Oregon, can undergo wisdom teeth removal at our office in Milwaukie, which is less than 10 miles south of downtown Portland. If you live in Portland and you or your child need wisdom teeth removed, contact our office in Milwaukie today.
Experience Outstanding Oral Surgery Care
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