Comfortable Third Molar Extractions
Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers wisdom teeth or third molar extractions for patients in Gresham, OR, and the surrounding areas. Third molars are an additional set of teeth that grow under the surface of the gums and, in many cases, are undetectable without proper X-ray evaluation. It is not uncommon for teens and adults to be unaware that they exist until they begin to present significant problems.Oral surgeons like Dr. Lieblick and Dr. Rehrer have undergone extensive training to safely and effectively remove wisdom teeth. If it’s time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth evaluated by a professional, please contact our Gresham, Oregon, office to schedule an appointment.
Why Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The average human mouth does not have room to fit an extra set of molars, which causes wisdom teeth to try and make room. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has become trapped beneath the gum tissue and is unable to erupt into the dental arch. Whether a patient has impacted, partially grown, or fully grown wisdom teeth, they are at an increased risk for the development of a multitude of oral and dental problems, and these issues may require extensive or costly procedures to correct.
Impacted wisdom teeth will not erupt on their own and must be surgically removed. Leaving this type of tooth untreated can cause nearby teeth to shift out of place as well as many other health complications, including:
- Bacterial growth, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Misalignment of healthy teeth as the wisdom teeth force dental crowding and shifting throughout the mouth
- Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, pain, and even bad breath caused by periodontal disease
- Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which can cause issues in healthy teeth and the jaw bone
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.
When to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
Maintaining regular dental health checkups with your general dentist should help you determine when and if the molars are developing in your mouth. If you currently have third molars in your mouth, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to mitigate the issues listed above and avoid costly orthodontic and surgical treatment that may arise from these problems. At Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we recommend that removal occurs as early as possible, usually during the mid to late teens. The removal process is generally much more rapid and presents fewer complications if the molars are removed early because the roots are not fully developed, and younger patients are more likely to recover quickly from surgery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
If you elect to have your molars removed at our office in Gresham, OR, or one of our other three offices, you will receive a thorough oral examination from one of our oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Russell Lieblick or Dr. Brandon Rehrer. We may take 3D scans of your mouth and teeth and will discuss your options for anesthesia during surgery.
During surgery, your oral surgeon will extract any visible teeth with forceps. Your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose and remove the impacted teeth, then place dissolvable sutures. You will rest in our comfortable recovery area until the anesthesia wears off, then be driven home by your prearranged driver.
If you have any questions before your procedure, our office staff and skilled surgical team would be happy to help you in any way possible. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease before receiving treatment and that you completely understand the pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure optimal recovery.
Bank Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth contain powerful stem cells that have been used to develop regenerative medicine. Choose to have your stem cells stored in a lab after having wisdom teeth removed so they will be ready if you need them in the future. Learn more on our stem cells page or the Stemodontics® website.
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, my name is Cambria and I am from Happy Valley and I came to Beacon Oral Surgeons for a wisdom teeth removal. When I walked into the practice, I felt well greeted by the ladies up front. They answered every question that I had and I was on my way. My doctor is very nice. He explained every step of the way for the procedure and I felt very confident about it. The procedure overall was very quick and I healed very well. I had a great and fantastic experience here, so I do recommend Beacon Oral Surgery. "
"Hi, my name is Lana. I’m from Troutdale. My two daughters came here to get their wisdom teeth extracted. The team was very welcoming, even from the time that I walked through the door. They just totally took care of me, made me feel comfortable, offered me coffee. I thought that was just very welcoming and warm right there, and I felt very confident that my children were in great hands. Dr. Lieblick is wonderful. The procedure was quick and easy, and the recovery was great. If there’s another mom out there that I could tell to send their children to Beacon Oral Surgeons, especially for wisdom teeth, they would take care of them like family members. You’re just not going to get any better treatment than you receive with Beacon Oral Surgeons. If I needed an implant or an extraction, I wouldn’t hesitate to see Dr. Lieblick for my future oral surgery needs."
"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."
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you get put to sleep when you get your wisdom teeth taken out?
Most patients undergo IV anesthesia, which puts you into a semi-conscious state. You are able to hear and respond to your surgeon, but will wake up when the anesthesia wears off with no memory of the procedure. Be sure to follow the pre-operative instructions closely to prepare for anesthesia.
How painful are wisdom teeth extractions?
Anesthesia helps your surgical procedure be as comfortable as possible. Swelling usually peaks on the third day following surgery. You can manage discomfort with ice packs or over-the-counter pain medication.
How long is wisdom teeth removal recovery?
You can return to your normal routine a few days after surgery, taking care not to disturb your surgical sites. Follow the instructions we provided, and your recovery will be as smooth as possible. The surgical sites will fully heal in about 2 weeks.
Do sutures prevent dry socket?
Sutures prevent bleeding and help the surgical sites heal. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged, delaying healing. You can prevent this by avoiding straws and by not smoking. Brush carefully around the surgical sites and try not to chew on the side of your mouth where the clot is forming. Stick to soft foods during recovery and rinse the extraction sites with salt water to prevent infection.
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