Protect Your Oral Health
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to grow into your mouth. Most wisdom teeth begin developing around the age of 17 or during the early twenties, although the teeth can start forming beneath the gums as early as age 12. Because they are so large, most people’s mouths are too small to accommodate the extra molars. Without adequate space to grow in, they may grow at an angle, leave you susceptible to infections, or cause other oral health complications.Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common procedures we perform at Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in The Dalles, OR. If you live near The Dalles or one of our other office locations, our board-certified oral surgeons will make sure that your procedure is performed using the safest, most advanced techniques available.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
If your third molars grow in without causing problems for your surrounding teeth or gum tissue, they may not need to be removed. However, it is rare for wisdom teeth to properly develop without causing any problems. Even molars that appear to be growing in fine can suddenly change course and start to grow sideways. It’s important to have regular dental exams to track the development of your molars. When your general dentist notices your wisdom teeth are starting to develop, he or she will refer you to an oral surgeon to have them removed.
Leaving wisdom teeth untreated can lead to many health issues. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has become trapped beneath the gum and must be surgically removed because it will not properly erupt into the dental arch. An impacted tooth is difficult to properly clean, possibly leading to infection or the formation of cysts and tumors. Severe infections can develop into gum disease, which puts your other teeth and gum tissue at risk. Wisdom teeth can also damage other nearby roots and facial nerves.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
You can have wisdom teeth removed at any age. Most dental professionals recommend removing the teeth during the earlier stages of development, potentially before they emerge from the gums (generally between ages 16 and 20 or so). The teeth are smaller and easier to remove at these stages, making the overall procedure easier for the patient. Even if your molars are fully grown in, Dr. Lieblick and Dr. Rehrer will use advanced digital imaging to determine their exact size and location and develop a treatment plan for you.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
If you need to have your third molars removed, you will likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our surgeons at Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in The Dalles, OR, have years of experience extracting them using the most reliable and least invasive methods possible. Our surgeons are also certified to administer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options, including general anesthesia, to ensure your comfort and safety.
First, you will have a consultation with one of our oral surgeons, who will fully examine your condition and discuss your treatment plan. This appointment is a good opportunity for you to ask questions about your procedure and anesthesia options. We will take 3D scans of your mouth to produce detailed images of your bone structure.
On the day of your surgery, your oral surgeon will administer the anesthesia. Your surgeon will extract the teeth and place dissolvable sutures where needed. You will need a designated driver to bring you home after your surgery is complete.
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 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
"I'm Lela. I'm from Vancouver, Washington, and I came to Beacon Oral Surgeons to get my wisdom teeth out. When I first walked in, everyone was very friendly. They greeted me with smiles and made me feel right at home. Dr. Rehrer did my wisdom teeth removal. He was very friendly, made me feel very comfortable. My quality of life after I got my wisdom teeth out actually improved. If I had to get another procedure done, I would absolutely come to Beacon Oral Surgeons. If anyone in the Milwaukie or Vancouver areas needed to get their wisdom teeth out, I would definitely tell them to come Beacon Oral Surgeons. Beacon Oral Surgeons is a five-star experience all around."
"Hi! I’m Cydne, and about five years ago, I had my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Lieblick here at their Gresham office, and it was great. I had a really good experience with him and all the staff. My recovery was quick and simple. All I remember is coming in, them hooking me up to a couple monitors, I was asleep, woke up, they said it was all done, and I was on my way home, eating tomato soup and grilled cheese. It was really simple, really easy for me. I just remember sitting on the couch, watching movies. Mom was bringing me milkshakes and loving on the pain pills. That was it. All my friends, my family and friends, in Portland, Gresham, Vancouver area – I’ve even referred most of my family members to Dr. Lieblick, and they’ve had their wisdom teeth out, their implants. I would never send anybody to anyplace else. They’re the best. I trust them. They’re very caring, and you always feel like you’re well cared for, and they truly do want you to have a good experience and a good outcome. I mean, they guarantee their work, which is awesome to have that guarantee to stand by."
"Hi, my name is Chloe from Washougal, and I came to see Dr. Rehrer to get my wisdom teeth removed. The office is very clean. Everyone is very friendly. I loved the doctors. Dr. Rehrer was very friendly and he was very quick and efficient with the whole surgery. The staff is very friendly. They made me feel very comfortable. The surgery was great, my recovery was quick and easy, and I was back to work in no time. I had a great experience and I would 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."
"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 does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
The cost of having wisdom teeth removed will depend on how many teeth you need to have removed, your dental insurance, your choice of anesthesia, and the overall extent of your surgery. We will go over all of these factors during your first visit so you know exactly what to expect.
How many days do I need off for wisdom tooth removal?
You can expect to return to your normal routine a few days after having wisdom teeth removed. On the day of your surgery, you can expect to feel sleepy and rest for the remainder of the day. Many patients feel fine the next day and are able to resume normal activities.
How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?
If you are undergoing anesthesia, be sure to follow your pre-operative instructions closely. You are to 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. This adult should remain with you for 24 hours while you’re still under the effects of anesthesia.
What can I expect during recovery after having wisdom teeth removed?
Everything you need to know is outlined in your post-operative instructions. Rinse your mouth with a salt water solution to prevent infection and keep the extraction sites clean. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot becomes dislodged. To avoid dry socket, do not use straws and do not smoke for 1 week following surgery. Stick to soft foods and ramp up your diet as tolerated. Pain and swelling can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications. If you ever have questions, contact our office and we will be happy to help you.
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