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 Angela, and I'm from The Dalles, Oregon. I had to get my wisdom teeth out. I went to see Beacon Oral Surgeons because they have an office in The Dalles, so it was really convenient for me to go there, and I had heard really good things about the staff there. I was really nervous. I had been put to sleep once for another surgery, but I didn't have an IV ever, so I was terrified. From the second I walked in, the office ladies were very friendly, and then the ladies that took me back were friendly. The lady that did my IV was super friendly, and they all just try to make you comfortable and laugh, and it was great. My procedure went perfectly — just super easy. My recovery was a lot faster than I had anticipated. I had minimal swelling, and I think I took the painkillers when I got home and the next day, and then I was done. I would definitely recommend Beacon Oral Surgeons."
"My name is Cally. I’m from Canby, Oregon. I went to see Dr. Lieblick to get my <a href='/oral-surgery-procedures/wisdom-teeth-removal-milwaukie-or/' title='Learn more about wisdom teeth removal'><strong>wisdom teeth removed</strong></a>. Their office is very clean and crisp. The employees are very nice and attentive whenever you walk in. Dr. Lieblick is very calm and attentive. He explains everything very thoroughly. I really liked Beacon Oral Surgery’s process and really appreciated Dr. Lieblick. For my friends and family from Portland and Gresham, Oregon, I highly recommend Beacon Oral Surgeons."
"Hi, my name's Preston, and I'm from The Dalles, Oregon. I went to Beacon Oral Surgeons to get my wisdom teeth removed. I wasn't in any pain; the dentist said it was just time for them to come out. I wasn't that nervous because they made me feel pretty relaxed about the whole procedure when they explained it to me. They explained the whole procedure to me, how they go about it. They showed me a video on what they would do. Yeah, I went to sleep, woke up, and it was pretty much all done. My recovery was absolutely smooth, just as long as I stuck with the foods that they told me to eat. Dr. Lieblick was very professional, very friendly. He made me feel very comfortable during the procedure. If any of my friends from Dallesport, Dufur, or Portland, OR, decided to get their wisdom teeth removed, I would highly recommend Beacon Oral Surgeons."
"Hi, my name is Jennifer. I’m from Portland, Oregon, and I came to see Dr. Lieblick to get four wisdom teeth removed. The experience with Dr. Lieblick was wonderful. I felt comfortable from start to finish, and the receptionist even took care of my kids while I visited one time, and they’re just the best here. The staff is super friendly. It’s almost like family when you walk in, so I really appreciated that. My recovery was pretty much pain free for the first day, and then I had some discomfort. They called me to check on me, which was great. I came back in and got reassessed, and ever since that point, I was much more comfortable. I’d tell my friends to come see Dr. Lieblick for the great experience that I had. I have friends in Lake Oswego and Oregon City and Portland, of course, and Vancouver, Washington, even, because you’ll drive a distance to go see people that are truly professional and make your recovery easy on such a traumatic surgical procedure. I’d recommend anybody I know. When you’re going to sleep for a procedure, you want to know that you’re in the best of hands, and I felt that from the very beginning because I knew they were true professionals and board certified and that’s very important to me. They put me under, and I didn’t feel a thing, and it was wonderful. I woke up happy!"
"Hi, my name is Zac. I'm from Oregon City, and I went to Beacon Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. The staff was good. They were all positive, and they all made me feel comfortable. The doctor here was definitely really comforting, and I felt confident that he would take care of me, and It was going to go smoothly. My procedure went well and my recovery was fast and smooth. My overall experience at Beacon Oral Surgery was exceptional and I would definitely recommend it to other people who need to get their wisdom teeth removed."
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.
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