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.
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 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 am Andrew, and I'm from Grass Valley, Oregon. I needed to have my wisdom teeth pulled. I was - I was nervous, just having surgery for once and having my mouth operated on. They were very professional, just kind of laying it out - how it's going to be and how it should be. You know, it's easy to feel comfortable around a bunch of pretty girls. Great! They did a great job; I don't remember it too much, but the job got done, clear and precise. My recovery was fine; they always checked up on me to see how I was doing and how I reacted to the surgery. What I liked about the staff was that they were very professional, courteous, and attentive to my needs. I would recommend Beacon completely."
"My name’s Marty, and I’m from The Dalles, Oregon, born and raised. If any of my friends or family needed to get their wisdom teeth removed—I have some friends in Pendlelton, some friends in Portland—I would definitely recommend Beacon Oral Surgery. The procedure went good. I went in a little bit nervous, but they made me feel pretty relaxed here. I knocked out; next thing you know, I wake up, and it’s over. I go and it was done just like that. My recovery was good; it lasted just a couple days, and it was a pretty good experience. Dr. Lieblick did a fantastic job with my operation, and I recommend that doctor."
"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 Lauren. I live in Gresham, and I loved my experience at Beacon Oral Surgery. Dr. Lieblick and his staff were great. I had all my wisdom teeth taken out about five years ago, and haven’t had a problem. My recovery time was so quick, surgery was so great, and the staff was helpful, friendly, kind, supportive. I had a really great experience. I live in Gresham. I used to work in The Pearl and Clackamas and Beaverton, and everyone I’ve ran into over the years who needed to have wisdom teeth out for teenagers or themselves late in life, I always recommend coming to Beacon. The fact that they’re trained and the fact that they do take that extra step to become board certified and recognized by the state is really a comfort for me and for my other family members who have visited Beacon over the years."
"Hi, my name is Dennis, and I’m from Tualatin. I had my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Rehrer. Dr. Rehrer was very nice, and he made me feel comfortable in the chair, and I just feel like he is an all around nice guy. The procedure was a success. I know I was taken in good hands by Dr. Rehrer and his assistants, and everything went well. Staff here was very respectful, I feel like they are very kind. I had a great experience, and I recommend Dr. Rehrer. Out of five stars, I would give Beacon five out of five stars. It went well."
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.
Experience Outstanding Oral Surgery Care
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