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Wisdom Teeth Removal and Extraction in Montana and Wyoming

The average adult has 32 teeth, each with its own role and name. Whereas the canines, incisors, and bicuspids found at the front of the mouth are used for biting and grasping, the back teeth, or molars, are used for chewing. However, while most adults have all 32 of these teeth, the average mouth holds only about 28. These extra teeth are called third molars, but they’re more commonly known as wisdom teeth. While most people have naturally occurring wisdom teeth, these third molars can cause many issues.

Why Remove Them?

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

When wisdom teeth align properly, removal isn’t necessary. However, because wisdom teeth are the last to come in, this is not usually the case. When wisdom teeth don’t erupt properly, they can cause crowding and pain, and may come in sideways or fail to break through the gum surface at all. When a tooth will not erupt or is stuck, it is called an impacted tooth.

When a tooth erupts only partially, this opens the area up to bacteria and infection. This causes pain and discomfort, including swelling and stiffness in the mouth, and can also lead to illness. Pressure from a wisdom tooth trying to erupt can also disrupt the alignment of your other teeth. In some cases, tumors or cysts can even occur, which deteriorate the teeth as well as the jawbone as a whole. Because of these issues, early removal of wisdom teeth is advised.

 

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Attention

  • Aching or pressure at the back of the jaw
  • Swelling, tenderness, or stiffness in the gums or jaw
  • Repeated infection around a partially erupted tooth
  • Crowding or shifting of teeth that were previously straight
  • Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing comfortably

If you are in pain or dealing with an infection, call our office rather than waiting for a routine appointment so we can advise you on the next steps.

ORAL EXAM

Examination and Imaging

To determine the position of the wisdom teeth and whether X-rays are necessary, we perform an oral examination. The earlier we evaluate and treat you, the better the outcome. Most commonly, oral surgeons, dentists, or orthodontists evaluate patients in their mid-teens.

Our doctors are highly trained and licensed to administer various types of anesthesia, and we perform all outpatient surgeries using the appropriate method for each case so patients stay comfortable and at ease.

REMOVAL

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Local or general anesthesia, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), is most commonly used during wisdom tooth removal. We will discuss these options, along with any potential risks, with you before surgery. After your wisdom teeth have been extracted, your gums will be sutured, and you will be instructed to bite down on the provided gauze to minimize bleeding. You will take home a postoperative kit with instructions, any necessary prescriptions, and follow-up appointment details upon discharge.

Anesthesia and Sedation Options

At Summit Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we are committed to an environment of the utmost safety and comfort. We offer sedation, including IV sedation, for wisdom tooth removal. Our staff is highly experienced in administering anesthesia, and we use contemporary, state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

Recovery

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

The First 24 Hours

Rest, keep gentle pressure on the gauze as directed, and use cold compresses to manage swelling. Follow the medication schedule in your postoperative kit, and avoid rinsing forcefully, smoking, or drinking through a straw, all of which can disturb healing. Our full surgical instructions cover this in detail.

 

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Start with cool, soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon, applesauce, and broth, then work back toward your normal diet as comfort allows. Avoid crunchy, spicy, and very hot foods while the extraction sites are closed.

 

When to Call Our Office

Contact us if bleeding doesn’t slow, if swelling or pain increases after the first few days, if you develop a fever, or if you have questions about what you are experiencing. If you have questions after discharge, please feel free to call our office.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost and Insurance

The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on how many teeth are being removed, their position, and the type of anesthesia used. We review your treatment plan and pricing before surgery, and our team can help you understand what your benefits cover. See our insurance information and financing options for details.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUEsTIONS

What Dental Prosthetic Options are Available?
In the case of one missing tooth, a single prosthesis – also known as a crown – is used. In this instance, the artificial tooth is affixed to one implant. However, in the case of multiple missing teeth a partial prosthesis (or fixed bridge) may be used, requiring only two or three implants. For the replacement of a full set of teeth, the number of implants used to attach your fixed bridge will vary depending on different factors. You have two main options: a removable prosthesis (an overdenture using ball-in-socket attachments or a bar) or a fixed prosthesis which can only be removed or adjusted by your dentist.

At Summit Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we provide surgical procedures in our state-of-the-art in-house operating suite. For those who have unique medical requirements, such as certain anesthetic accommodations or extensive bone grafting, an inpatient hospital treatment may be necessary.

Why Choose Dental Implants?
No tooth replacement solution offers the same long-term results, restored functionality, and peace of mind as implants. Whether you’ve lived with missing teeth for years or have only recently lost them, it can be a challenging and painful experience.

Implants can restore your confidence and provide renewed oral health.

While dental implants are a modern development, their history traces back nearly four decades prior to the innovations of Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark. His revolutionary efforts laid the groundwork for countless people dealing with the embarrassment and daily difficulties of missing one or more teeth.

What are the Benefits of Implants Over Traditional Restoration Methods?
Both bridges and dentures have their limits. In the case of dental bridges, jawbone deterioration is still a risk and damage to the surrounding teeth may occur. Dentures and partials create inconveniences and embarrassments, as well cause discomfort for the wearer.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
An extensive oral examination, as well as review of your dental history, is necessary to determine candidacy for implants. If implants may not initially work for you, however, methods such as bone grafting may be able to create a strong foundation for implant procedures.
What Anesthesia Is Used In a Dental Implant Procedure?
Most implant procedures are done in-office with the use of local anesthesia, either with or without additional general anesthesia depending on the individual case.
How are Implants Cared For?
Implants last many years with proper care. As with natural teeth, good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dentist appointments will ensure that your implants are in top shape.

Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation

Contact us today to request a consultation appointment for wisdom tooth removal. For information on our general tooth extraction procedures, visit our extractions page or browse our full range of oral surgery services.

Extractions