What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
For a quick overview, read an expert Q&A with Dr. Emily Van Heukelom, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at The Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants. To learn about wisdom teeth in more detail, continue reading below.
What Is An Impacted Tooth?
Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.
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Types Of Impaction
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jawbone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jawbone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jawbone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jawbone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jawbone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What If I Don’t Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed As A Teenager Or Young Adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jawbone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
What Happens On The Day They Are Removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State of the art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What Happens Afterwards? What Will I Feel Like?
On the first day after surgery, you may experience some minor bleeding and pain. You should cover your pillowcase with something so that you don’t get any blood on it. Each individual’s reaction to surgery varies, and the sensation of pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. This swelling usually peaks on the second day and should begin resolving on the third day. You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice for the entire first day. The more ice you use the first day, the less swelling you are likely to have on the second day. Please remember to put ice on the first day even if it is somewhat uncomfortable to have the cold next to your skin. On the third day, you will notice that your jaw muscles are stiff, and it is difficult to open your mouth normally. You can apply moist heat to your face on the second and third day allowing your muscles to relax more and open wider. Most of the time you will want to limit your activities for a few days. We ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely. Doing so will make you as comfortable as possible during the first few days following your procedure. Please allow time for your body to begin healing before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule. Most patients feel like they are over the hump and on their way to recovery in 3 to 5 days.
Are There Any Problems?
As with any medical procedure, there can be complications or an unanticipated result. Some complications that patients undergoing Wisdom Tooth Extraction may experience include: Damage to the sensory nerve that supplies sensation to the lips and tongue, sinus communication, infections and dry sockets.
After the procedure, our assistants will review your post-operative instructions with your escort. We ask that you follow these instructions closely, as they will make you most comfortable following your procedure. If you were sedated, you will be comfortable and drowsy when you leave the office. Most patients prefer to go home and rest with no other physical or scholastic activities planned for a few days. With any medical procedure, there can be unexpected results. These can include delayed healing, infection and post-operative numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue. The oral surgeon will review relevant post-operative events with you and answer any questions during your office visit.
Damage to Sensory Nerve:
A primary concern is a nerve within the lower jawbone that supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin, and tongue. This nerve is frequently very close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. Having these teeth out between the ages of 12 and 18 usually provides shorter roots so that the nerve is not so close to the roots of these teeth. Occasionally, when the teeth are removed, and especially in older patients, the nerve can become injured. When local anesthesia wears off, you may experience a tingling or numbing sensation in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve gradually over a period of weeks or months. On rare occasions it can result in a permanent alteration of sensation similar to having local anesthesia. We feel that you should be aware of this possibility before consenting to surgery.
Sinus Communication:
The upper wisdom teeth are situated close to your sinuses, and their removal can result in an opening between your mouth and the sinus. Once again, if the teeth are removed at an early age, the root formation is minimal, and this complication is very unlikely. However, if it does occur, it will usually close spontaneously, but we may give you special instructions to follow, such as avoid blowing your nose for two or three days following the surgery. You can wipe your nose, but don’t blow your nose. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. Pressure should not be created in the sinus area, which may dislodge the healing blood clot. If you sense this condition occurring after the surgery, please contact the office. An additional procedure may RARELY be necessary to close the opening.
Dry Sockets:
Dry sockets continue to be the most common problem people experience following dental surgery. They arise due to premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin.
The symptoms frequently begin in the middle of the night, and your pain medication regimen may not help. Treatment can involve changing your prescription. Occasionally it is helpful to place a medicated dressing in the empty tooth socket. This will help decrease the pain and protect the socket from food particles. The effectiveness in alleviating the pain lasts for 24-48 hours and may require dressing changes every day or two, for five to seven days. Dressings usually are removed when you have been pain free for 2 to 3 days.
The dressing doesn’t aid in healing. The only reason to place a dressing is for pain control. If medication is controlling the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. Following removal of the dressing, an irrigation device may be provided to help you to keep food particles from lodging in the extraction site.
Infection:
Occasionally, post-operative infections occur. This usually requires an office visit and clinical examination. Many times, just placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. If it persists, the area will have to be drained and cleaned. Other temporary problems you may experience in the post-operative period include stiffness of the jaws, chafing around the corners of your lips, facial bruising, and blood oozing from the extraction sites. The post-operative instruction sheet we will provide should answer many of the questions related to these more common concerns. If not, don’t hesitate to call the office.
What Does The Procedure Cost And Is It Covered By Insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What If I Have Questions Before Surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call the doctor’s office to speak to one of the patient care coordinators.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Panek, Dr. Van Heukelom, Dr. Noordhoek or Dr. Grinzinger can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Panek, Van Heukelom, Noordhoek and Grinzinger are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Click To Call
Grand Rapids Office Phone Number 616-361-7327 Make An
Appointment Online Patient
Registration
Our office hours are Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM for both locations.
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By David T
Dr Noordhoek and her staff were very professional and friendly. Dr Noordhoek was extremely thorough in going through my health records and that was very comforting because I have some health issues. All aspects were A+. This has been my only visit but it was a great experience and I would highly recommend their services.
– David T
5 out of 5 stars by David T on
Patient Review By Leah M
Dr. Noordhoek was very friendly and made me feel comfortable during my procedure, this really helped me not be nervous about having all four wisdom teeth removed. My doctor and her staff made sure that I was well informed on how to take care of my teeth after the removal, giving me both verbal and written instructions that I was able to take home. The meeting a couple of weeks before the actual procedure was also very helpful because it allowed to me know how the procedure would go and allowed me to prepare the necessary supplies for my recovery. I also liked that I was given options on how I wanted my procedure to be carried out. Lastly, I love that they let me keep the teeth that were removed and they put them in a secure bag.
– Leah M
5 out of 5 stars by Leah M on
Patient Review By Ashley H
Both Dr. Rosie and the staff were very friendly! Everyone made me feel very at ease before and during my procedure. I was rather nervous but Dr. Noordhoek assured me being nervous is normal and that everything was going to be fine, and it was! I would highly recommend these services to a friend or family member!
– Ashley H
5 out of 5 stars by Ashley H on
Patient Review By Leah A
I felt so safe with this organization. From the staff, to the Doctors. Dr. Panek’s work was simply flawless… I did not even need to take pain medication after he performed a cyst removal in my jaw along with a wisdom tooth extraction. I was quite nervous for the surgery and he was so comforting and professional. My husband and I are so grateful for Dr. Panek!
– Leah A
5 out of 5 stars by Leah A on
Patient Review By Audrey S
Dr. Noordhoek was AMAZING. Friendly, upbeat, funny! All characteristics I value when evaluating an individual operating inside of my mouth! Nothing but positive things to say about the staff, surgery, and facility. An overall great experience for a not-so-fun procedure, but I was more than well taken care of (to say the least!), and I would 110% recommend to anyone!
– Audrey S
5 out of 5 stars by Audrey S on
Patient Review By Jamie L
To say that I was terrified to have my two impacted lower wisdom teeth removed at the age of 34 is a gross understatement. My anxiety was through the roof and despite my fear, the staff and doctor made me feel so incredibly comfortable throughout the entire process. I cannot thank them enough for the professional, kind manner with which they treated me while doing their job so effortlessly! Before I knew it I was done and on my way home. Thank you all for making this a smooth, experience for someone who is always so plagued with anxiety! I highly recommend this office!
– Jamie L
5 out of 5 stars by Jamie L on
Patient Review By Elisabeth S
Dr. Van Heukelom did a wonderful job! She was kind and eased my nerves, and was very thorough.
– Elisabeth S
5 out of 5 stars by Elisabeth S on
Patient Review By Mary K
the first time she was able to put an iv in without too much hassle, and she was quite kind and was helpful in calming me down
– Mary K
5 out of 5 stars by Mary K on
Patient Review By Cheyanne A
Emily was amazing, all the nurses were very friendly and made me feel comfortable and eased my anxiety. The surgical sites are healing great! Will come back in the future if needed.
– Cheyanne A
5 out of 5 stars by Cheyanne A on
Patient Review By Thomas S
I was concerned about the procedure and the follow up and both Dr. Emily and the Staff were considerate and caring. They welcomed questions and clarifications and responded to my concerns. Very helpful!
– Thomas S
5 out of 5 stars by Thomas S on
Patient Review By Kyra D
Dr. Noordhoek and the staff were kind, friendly and helpful. Dr. Noordhoek did a great job with explaining everything to me about the procedure. Everything went very well and I will definitely recommend them to others.
– Kyra D
5 out of 5 stars by Kyra D on
Patient Review By Kayla V
Dr. Noordhoek is an amazing doctor! Her personality is amazing. I was a bit nervous before my procedure, but as soon as she entered the room, I knew I would be alright. She is very calming and relaxing. My coworker said the exact same thing! The staff was also very nice, kind, and understanding. They treated me very well. I would not be afraid to return again. They are very welcoming and I could have not had a better experience. .
– Kayla V
5 out of 5 stars by Kayla V on
Patient Review By James B
Great experience with Dr. Panek getting my wisdom teeth removed. In and out of the office pretty fast and had a smooth recovery. Would definitely recommend their office.
– James B
5 out of 5 stars by James B on
Patient Review By Russell D
The entire staff was fantastic. A lot of doctors offices you feel like a number but here they treated me like a person. Having teeth pulled is never fun but the people made it a great experience. The little things like asking the patient if they are ok and letting the patient know what’s going on are big things for the patient and this office is exceptional at that. Everyone is great at answering questions and making sure that you understand what is about to happen.
– Russell D
5 out of 5 stars by Russell D on
Patient Review By Steph H
I am beyond satisfied with my experience at Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants! Everything from scheduling my appointment to undergoing the procedure was pleasant. Dr. Palm and the entire staff were welcoming and knowledgeable. I visited the Rockford location and I highly recommend it!
– Steph H
5 out of 5 stars by Steph H on
Patient Review By Mecca Milton m
The time from walking in to the office to after the procedure was ery positive. All of the staff was friendly and the proceure was done quickly without a long wait
– Mecca Milton m
5 out of 5 stars by Mecca Milton m on
Patient Review By Deb C
Great office staff! They were kind and courteous! Dr. Emily Van Heukelom was incredibly thorough, patient and kind! Brief consultation time was very efficient, including review of x-rays and explanations of possible complications and what to look for. Will definitely recommend this office to family and friends! Thank you!
– Deb C
5 out of 5 stars by Deb C on
Patient Review By emma j
As always everyone here is great!
– emma j
5 out of 5 stars by emma j on
Patient Review By anna h
They did a good job. She doesnt remember anything from the procedure. 🙂
– anna h
5 out of 5 stars by anna h on
Patient Review By Aileen B
Thank you so much for your extra special care of Devin. His experience was great.
– Aileen B
5 out of 5 stars by Aileen B on
Patient Review By sonja s
They made me feel comfortable and pain free! It was fast and done in a timely matter and my mouth was handle with care!
– sonja s
4 out of 5 stars by sonja s on
Patient Review By Steven V
The procedure was quick relatively painless
– Steven V
5 out of 5 stars by Steven V on
Patient Review By Tina H
Very friendly and helpful.
– Tina H
5 out of 5 stars by Tina H on