Wisdom Teeth Removal in Birmingham, AL

Specialized Care for Third Molar Extraction

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, often emerge during the late teens to early twenties. Insufficient jaw space frequently prevents proper eruption, leading to issues like impaction, pain, or infection that necessitate removal. Seeking evaluation from oral surgery specialists is the recommended path for managing these common dental developmental concerns and safeguarding long-term oral health.

At WISE Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, our Birmingham office serves the community with expert wisdom teeth assessment and treatment. Every day, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Vila apply their extensive surgical experience to ensure extractions are performed safely and comfortably. Contact our Birmingham team to schedule an evaluation if wisdom teeth are a concern for you or your teenager.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

While not universal, problems with wisdom teeth are very common due to inadequate space for them to function properly within the dental arch. Extracting third molars preventatively is crucial for avoiding potential future issues including infection, cyst development, significant pain, or physical damage to adjacent, healthy second molars through crowding or pressure. 

Although removal during the teen years generally offers advantages like easier surgery and faster healing due to underdeveloped roots, extracting wisdom teeth remains a necessary and safe procedure for adults experiencing symptoms or identified risks at any age. Your family dentist often monitors wisdom teeth, but direct consultation with our Birmingham oral surgeons can provide a more specialized evaluation.

Sign You Need Wisdom Teeth Extracted

Wisdom teeth requiring attention often manifest through noticeable symptoms. Seek an evaluation from our oral surgeons if you experience indicators such as:

• Jaw Pain or Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or pressure concentrated in the back of the jaws, potentially limiting comfortable opening or causing radiating discomfort toward the ear.
• Inflamed Gum Tissue: Swollen, red, or tender gums around the partially emerged wisdom tooth area, possibly indicating a localized infection known as pericoronitis developing beneath a gum flap.
• Signs of Localized Infection: Persistent unpleasant taste or bad breath (halitosis) originating from the back of the mouth, sometimes accompanied by pus discharge, signaling bacterial buildup around the tooth.
• Crowding or Damage to Nearby Teeth: Visible shifting of adjacent teeth, development of cavities on the second molar due to cleaning difficulty, or feelings of intense pressure against neighboring teeth from the wisdom tooth.
• Chewing Difficulty or Discomfort: Trouble chewing food properly or general discomfort in the back molar region during meals, possibly related to inflammation or the awkward positioning of third molars impacting your bite.

How Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery Work?

Your wisdom teeth removal process at our Birmingham office prioritizes safety, comfort, and clear communication. It starts with a consultation where Dr. Walsh or Dr. Vila performs a thorough clinical examination and analyzes specialized imaging, like panoramic X-rays or 3D CBCT scans, to fully assess tooth positions and nearby anatomy. They will discuss findings, confirm the need for extraction, outline the procedure, and develop your personalized anesthesia plan. We can provide multiple options, from local anesthetic to deep sedation, all administered expertly within our facility.

On the day of your scheduled surgery, after the selected anesthesia ensures your complete comfort, the surgeon proceeds with the extraction. Erupted wisdom teeth are typically removed using specialized dental instruments through simpler techniques. Impacted teeth often require a careful surgical approach, involving a small incision in the gum tissue for access, potentially sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces, and sometimes minor bone removal for gentle extraction. Any necessary sutures are placed afterward. Our Birmingham team provides clear, comprehensive post-operative instructions immediately to guide your home care regarding pain management, controlling swelling, diet modifications, oral hygiene, and crucial steps to avoid complications like dry socket during the healing period.