Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom TeethThe wisdom teeth, or third molars, are a natural component of the average adult’s 32 teeth. Unfortunately, most people – up to 90 percent of the population – lack the mouth space for at least one wisdom tooth to erupt, or enter completely. These impacted teeth can cause multiple issues if not removed. Dr. Landon McLain is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon who offers wisdom teeth extraction (removal) in Huntsville, AL. People travel from Birmingham, AL, as well as parts of Georgia and Tennessee for Dr. McLain’s precise and aesthetic approach to oral surgery.

For more information on wisdom teeth extraction with Dr. McLain, request a consultation or call our office at (256) 429-3411.

What Can Wisdom Teeth Extraction Do For You?

When wisdom teeth don’t erupt completely, the gum tissue surrounding them can be unhealthy, and pockets collecting debris and bacteria can increase the chance of infection. Even without impaction, wisdom teeth have little or no function, and their position in the mouth can make them difficult to keep clean. Extraction can alleviate or prevent oral problems such as:

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Crowding of teeth
  • Loss of bone and gums
  • Damage to adjacent teeth or other structures
  • Health problems such as cysts or tumors

 

Wisdom Teeth Removal

How Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Work?

Pain is a common complaint during eruption and can be severe. Complications are difficult to predict. The longer the wisdom teeth remain, the more likely they are to cause problems. The best prevention is early removal.

If you also require dental implants or jaw surgery, Dr. McLain may recommend performing these procedures simultaneously with your wisdom teeth extraction.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction With Dr. McLain

Dr. McLain generally recommends removing wisdom teeth during the mid-teenage years, when root development is not yet complete. As a result, removal leads to less discomfort, more effective healing and a quicker recovery.

Dr. McLain typically performs wisdom teeth extraction as an outpatient procedure in our office. In most cases, patients receive either IV sedation or general anesthesia. He generally recommends removing all wisdom teeth in one procedure in order to prevent additional recovery time associated with staged extractions.