Wisdom Teeth Removal in Trussville, AL

Safe, Comfortable Extractions for All Ages

Third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, typically emerge between the late teens and early twenties but frequently lack adequate space in the modern jaw. This often leads to impaction, pain, infection, or crowding later on, making preventative removal by oral surgery specialists a common recommendation to safeguard oral health. 

WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists in Trussville provides expert evaluation and treatment for these prevalent dental issues. Our board-eligible oral surgeons, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Vila, utilize their extensive experience to perform wisdom teeth extractions comfortably while prioritizing your long-term well-being. Contact our Trussville office to schedule an assessment for yourself or your teen.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

While not everyone experiences issues, wisdom teeth frequently become problematic due to inadequate space for proper eruption. Extraction is commonly necessary to prevent future dental health complications. Performing removal during the teenage years is often ideal, as roots are less developed and recovery tends to be quicker. However, wisdom teeth extraction remains a safe and effective procedure for adults at any age experiencing pain, infection, or related symptoms. Your general dentist often monitors wisdom teeth development during checkups and refers you for extraction when appropriate, but you can also schedule a consultation directly with our Trussville oral surgeons for evaluation if you have concerns.

Sign You Need Wisdom Teeth Extracted

Problematic wisdom teeth often signal their presence through various symptoms that suggest extraction may be needed, including:

• Pain or Jaw Stiffness: Discomfort, aching, or pressure localized near the back molars, potentially radiating to the jaw or ear, or causing stiffness when opening.  
• Swollen and Tender Gums: Inflammation, redness, and tenderness in the gum tissue overlying or surrounding an erupting or partially erupted wisdom tooth (pericoronitis).  
• Infection Signs: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth originating from the back, often due to trapped bacteria and food debris around the wisdom tooth area.  
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Noticeable pressure against the neighboring second molars, potentially leading to crowding, decay, or damage to those otherwise healthy teeth over time.  
• Difficulty Opening Mouth Fully: Restricted jaw movement or pain upon wide opening can sometimes occur due to inflammation or crowding caused by wisdom teeth trying to erupt improperly.

  

How Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery Work?

Your first step at our Trussville office involves a consultation with Dr. Walsh or Dr. Vila. They will review your medical and dental history, perform an oral examination, analyze necessary X-rays or 3D scans, discuss any symptoms, and answer all your questions thoroughly. Together, you will determine the best course of action and select the most appropriate anesthesia option to ensure your complete comfort during the extraction procedure; we offer a full range from local anesthetic to IV sedation and general anesthesia administered safely by our qualified surgeons.

On the day of surgery, after your chosen anesthesia takes effect, the extraction process begins. Fully erupted wisdom teeth can sometimes be removed relatively simply using specialized instruments. Impacted wisdom teeth, however, require a precise surgical approach involving a small incision in the gum tissue for access. Depending on the tooth's position, it might be removed whole or sectioned into smaller pieces for easier extraction with minimal disturbance. Afterwards, the site may be closed with sutures to aid healing. Our team provides comprehensive post-operative instructions covering pain management, dietary guidelines, oral hygiene, and steps to prevent complications like dry socket, ensuring you understand how to care for yourself during recovery. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, with discomfort managed through medication and ice packs as needed.