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
"Hi, my name is Amber and I live in Brush Prairie. I saw Dr. Rehrer and Dr. Lieblick to get my wisdom teeth removed. The office here was very warm and inviting. Dr. Rehrer was very kind. He went out of his way to make me feel very comfortable the entire time. Dr. Leiblick is very knowledgeable. He explained everything to me very well, I had hardly any questions. The procedure itself went very well, I was in and out in what felt like 15 minutes to me. I had a very great experience and I’m so thankful to have found this place. Out of five stars, I give them 10 stars."
"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."
"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."
"My name is Amy from Camas, and I brought my son in to see Dr. Rehrer to have wisdom teeth pulled, bone grafting, and dental implants put in. When we walked in, the front desk was very, very friendly. They welcomed us and made us feel like we were at home. Dr. Rehrer is awesome. He’s fun, friendly, makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the room. Since the surgery, my son has had a really, really positive experience. The dental implants worked perfectly, they look fantastic, and he’s very happy with the results. Overall, we had an awesome experience. I highly recommend Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons."
"Hi, my name’s Melinda. I live in Camas, and I’m the mother of two teenage sons who had their wisdom teeth taken out from Dr. Rehrer. I’m a mother of five children, and so I see lots of doctors. I have four sons, and they get hurt a lot. What I like about Dr. Rehrer is that he has great bedside manner. He’s personable, he cares about his patients, and he’s interested in them. Everybody was really friendly, willing to answer all my questions, and always asking what they could do to help and make our experience positive. I have friends that live in Vancouver and Washougal, and I always recommend them to go to Dr. Rehrer because he’s just a competent, caring surgeon who I know I can trust and depend on to do a great job. Dr. Rehrer, he’s the best!"
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
Prepare for your first visit, learn about our services, and more.