The wisdom teeth are the final teeth to emerge during the teen years or early adulthood. Typically, the mouth is already too crowded to accommodate them. This can result in long-term oral health complications, making it advisable for most patients to have their wisdom teeth removed proactively. At Chapel Hill Oral Surgery, we promote patient comfort and safety during wisdom teeth removal procedures, which are among our top priorities in Chapel Hill, NC.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most Common Reasons To Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
For most patients, the mouth has insufficient space for wisdom teeth to erupt as normal. This leads to a high risk of impaction, with wisdom teeth often remaining partially or completely trapped under gum and bone. Even when the wisdom teeth are not impacted, crowding in the mouth can cause them to grow at unusual angles, potentially damaging other teeth.
Preemptive wisdom teeth removal can help avoid a host of problems, including:
- Crowding When Using Orthodontics
- Infection In and Around the Gums
- Discomfort And Sensitivity Around the Impacted Teeth
- Damage To Adjacent Teeth
- Cysts Around The Jawbone
- Tooth Decay
Voices of Satisfaction
Customer Reviews
“They did my two front implants and both my sons wisdom teeth, and made all of the procedures as smooth and painless as possible.”
-Kevin G.
Is There a Right Age To Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
As you age, wisdom teeth removal can become more complex, and the recovery process can be longer. To ensure the most straightforward procedure and recovery, we recommend removing wisdom teeth as early as possible; ideally when the roots are ⅓ to ⅔ developed. This typically coincides with an age range of 15-18 years of age.
Elevating Oral Surgery Standards
Dr. David Lee Hill, Jr.
Dr. David Lee Hill, Jr. is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who is passionate about providing his patients with outstanding care. He is dedicated to his clients’ comfort and to achieving long-lasting solutions for their oral surgical needs.
What To Expect
Taking the First Steps
Your wisdom teeth journey begins when you schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Hill. He will examine your teeth and jaw, review relevant medical images, and provide you with a treatment plan for your wisdom teeth removal. This is also a great time to ask any questions about the process.
Preparing for the Procedure
In some cases, Dr. Hill might advise that you take certain steps to prepare for a safe, successful procedure. For example, he may recommend pausing certain medications or supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding. Additionally, patients should stop smoking before their wisdom teeth removal and during their recovery afterward.
During the Procedure
When you arrive for your wisdom teeth removal, you will be welcomed back to a state-of-the-art surgery center. Our on-site anesthesia team will work in conjunction with Dr. Hill to provide the sedation you need to remain fully comfortable during the procedure.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
While the timeline can vary depending on the complexity and the number of wisdom teeth being removed, wisdom teeth removal surgery usually takes under an hour in total.
Does Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out Hurt?
Thanks to the efforts of our anesthesia team, you should not feel anything during the procedure itself. Some mild soreness can be expected for a day or two following your wisdom teeth removal.
Immediately After the Procedure
When you wake up from your procedure, Dr. Hill and his team will review the details with you and your designated escort, provide written aftercare instructions and dietary guidelines, and discharge you to go home for rest and recovery.
Have a Ride Home
Because you will still experience some effects of anesthesia, we require that you have someone accompany you and provide you with a safe ride home.
How Long Are You Groggy After the Procedure?
The effects of anesthesia generally wear off within 6 hours but that it is important that you rest and not operate any heavy machinery for 24 hours.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients feel ready to resume their normal school and work activities within a day or two. While there may be some lingering soreness, this can be mediated with simple over-the-counter remedies like Tylenol® and Ibuprofen. Our practice uses the Comfort Control Clock™ to help patients regulate their use of these medications. We will also provide full guidelines about caring for your surgical site, including instructions about transitioning from liquids and soft foods back to your usual diet. Most patients begin progressing their diet towards normal within a week of their wisdom teeth surgery.
Navigating Excellence Through Core Values
Our SWIM™Philosophy
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Entrust Your Wisdom Teeth Removal to Dr. Hill
Wisdom teeth removal is an important long-term investment in your oral health and in the integrity of your smile. At Chapel Hill Oral Surgery, we take patient safety and exceptional care to a new level – Exactly Like Nowhere Else™. Our core values – Safety, Wellness, Integrity, and Mastery (SWIM™) – guide every step of your journey. Dr. Hill and our team offer years of experience with an emphasis on patient safety. Schedule a consultation with us at (919) 238-9961.
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