Wisdom Teeth Removal in Watertown, NY
Why Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
Oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth is a standard practice for young adults because, during the mid to late teen years, the wisdom teeth are not fully developed yet and are easier to extract before they can cause oral complications. There are a number of problems generally caused by wisdom teeth, including
- Impaction. The teeth become stuck beneath the gums and cannot properly emerge in the mouth.
- Infection. The molars cannot grow properly and may become infected due to being unable to clean them.
- Root damage. Wisdom teeth are so large that they grow at an angle towards your healthy teeth and cause damage to their roots.
- Dental crowding. When teeth try to make room for themselves, they can push nearby teeth into each other. In the case of wisdom teeth, the average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, and it can cause problems when 32 teeth try to squeeze in.
- Cysts and tumors. Bacteria and infection can cause cysts or tumors to form around the teeth when left untreated.
Removing your wisdom teeth early can help prevent these health issues from occurring. Please visit our office in Watertown, NY, if you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When a tooth cannot properly erupt within the mouth, it may grow in sideways, partially emerge from the gum, or even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. This is called impaction, and when a tooth is impacted, it does whatever it can to find a pathway to successfully erupt. These poorly positioned teeth can cause many problems.
When a tooth partially erupts, the opening around the tooth allows room for bacteria to grow, which will eventually cause an infection. This results in swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure of a wisdom tooth trying to emerge in the mouth can move other teeth out of the way, disrupting the natural alignment of the teeth. If you have noticed swelling or discomfort in the back molars or have noticed an unpleasant taste or smell indicating infection, please contact us so that Dr. Curtis can determine the right course of action.
These are common symptoms that you may have impacted wisdom teeth:
- Swelling, pain, pressure, or sensitivity in the back of your mouth
- Discomfort when opening or closing your mouth
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- An unpleasant taste, which could indicate infection
Our team at Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants will take great care of you and your child when it comes to wisdom teeth procedures. Dr. Curtis has many years of experience diagnosing and treating wisdom teeth and is able to perform this procedure in the comfort of our welcoming Watertown office.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Dr. Curtis and his team perform wisdom teeth extractions in-house at our Watertown, NY, practice. Oral surgeons receive training in the safe administration of anesthesia, and we will discuss anesthesia options with you to determine the right course of action. Dr. Curtis generally recommends sedation for most wisdom tooth procedures, as this keeps you comfortable and is very safe. With every patient, we make sure they are comfortable and well-informed about their procedure so that they can be at ease in our care.
Wisdom teeth extraction typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. A responsible adult must be present at the office during your procedure to drive you home and to stay with you for the rest of the day.
All patients and procedures may vary, but a typical wisdom tooth extraction looks like this:
- The consultation. Dr. Curtis will meet with you and discuss the right approach to removing the wisdom teeth. By using oral examinations and X-rays, he can accurately assess the position of the wisdom teeth. A dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon usually first evaluates a patient during the early to mid-teenage years. After your procedure is discussed, you will receive detailed pre- and post-operative instructions.
- The day of surgery. If your tooth is visible above the gum line, Dr. Curtis will loosen the tooth before simply removing it with forceps. If your tooth is impacted, you will likely receive an IV for anesthesia. During your procedure, Dr. Curtis will make small incisions in your gum tissue and remove a small amount of bone, if needed, to extract the impacted teeth. The surgical site will then be stitched closed.
- Recovery. You can expect to be sleepy for most of the day following your procedure and may be prescribed pain medication. You will be driven home by your prearranged designated driver, who should stay with you for the next 24 hours following your surgery because you will still be under the effects of anesthesia. Your post-operative instructions will tell you everything you need to know about how to lessen swelling and stay comfortable, as well as how to care for your surgical site. If you have any questions about the procedure or are experiencing pain beyond what is expected, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Types of Anesthesia
Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants offers in-office anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Here are some of our anesthesia and sedation options:
The Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Watertown, NY
Wisdom teeth procedures vary in cost depending on your insurance coverage, the number of teeth that need to be extracted, the choice of anesthesia, and more. Our team works with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement and offer competitive prices for our area. We also offer convenient payment plan options to assist your needs.
To calculate a cost estimate, come visit us at Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants for a consultation with Dr. Curtis so that he can evaluate your condition and configure a personalized treatment plan.
The Value of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Serious problems can arise when wisdom teeth are left unattended or not evaluated by a professional. When a tooth is impacted, cysts or tumors can form around it, which leads to the destruction of the jaw bone and other healthy teeth. At Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, your health is a top priority, and we focus on ensuring your care exceeds expectations. In addition to seeking excellent treatment for you, we provide our services in our office that is fully equipped with advanced technology in a safe and welcoming environment.
Wisdom Teeth FAQ
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. When they align properly and the gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth don’t have to be removed. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Wisdom teeth extraction is needed when they cannot properly emerge, and early removal is recommended to avoid problems such as impaction, infection, pain, and more.
What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth?
Some symptoms include pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums, discharge or ongoing bad breath from an abscess or infection, or being able to see the wisdom teeth poking through your gum behind your second molar. Sometimes, people don’t have any symptoms of wisdom teeth pain even though extraction is still necessary.
Is wisdom teeth removal different from the removal of other teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a bit different than other teeth because they grow differently. A wisdom tooth’s root can take many different shapes, grow separately, or fuse together. They also have a more angled position in the mouth, so if they become impacted, they will need to be sectioned into pieces before extracting. If the tooth hasn’t erupted yet, an incision will be made in the tissue to access the tooth.
How much will it cost?
Every patient is different, and there are a number of factors that contribute to the total cost of treatment, such as insurance coverage, the number of teeth in question, the choice of anesthesia, and more. The best way to receive an accurate cost estimate is to contact our office. Our staff will work with you to make expert oral surgery treatment a viable option for you and your family.
Does it hurt to get wisdom teeth removed?
Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants offers a variety of anesthesia options to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your procedure. While some discomfort is expected, we want you to feel at ease during all steps of your treatment. Dr. Curtis will discuss your options for anesthesia and talk you through your personalized treatment plan. Generally, patients experience minimal pain both during and after surgery.
Can I brush my teeth after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
Avoid brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours. After that, you may begin brushing your teeth, making sure to be very gentle around the extraction sites.
Can I work out after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
It’s recommended that you wait 3 to 4 days after the procedure to participate in vigorous activity. Exercising increases blood flow, which could cause your extraction site to bleed more and increase your overall recovery time. Exercising early could also irritate the blood clot and cause discomfort, as well as prolong recovery.
How long is recovery?
The recovery period generally lasts between 7 and 10 days; however, this varies depending on the extent of your procedure. Make sure you have a smooth and speedy recovery by following your post-operative instructions very closely.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Wisdom Teeth Removal and other procedures.
"My name is Alexa, I am from Plessis, New York. I came to Upstate Oral Surgery to have my wisdom teeth out. The environment was very warm and welcoming. Dr. Curtis is very nice. The team here at Upstate Oral Surgery is amazing. They all work together, they all get along. The procedure went very well. I did not have any discomfort. Now that I’ve had the procedure, all the pain I was experiencing is gone. My overall experience at Upstate Oral Surgery was fantastic. Out of one to five stars, I would give Dr. Curtis five stars."
"My name’s Christina, I’m from Copenhagen, New York, and I came to Upstate Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth extracted. When I first walked in, the environment was very professional and very welcoming. The staff did help me calm my nerves. They just kind of guided me along the way. Dr. Curtis’ chairside manner is very professional and very friendly. He’s a very personal person, and he makes you feel very comfortable. The procedure did go faster than I had expected. I feel very relieved now that I’ve had the procedure done. I don’t have to worry about my wisdom teeth anymore. My overall experience here at Upstate Oral Surgery was phenomenal. I would highly recommend Dr. Curtis to everybody."
"Hi, my name is Evan and I'm from Watertown, and I came to Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to get my wisdom teeth removed. At Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, I was greeted with a beautiful smile at the front desk. Everybody here is very professional and they really know what they're doing. Dr. Curtis made me feel very welcomed and very comfortable. It was a very successful procedure and my recovery went very well. It was much quicker than I would have expected. To my friends in Carthage and Lowville who need their wisdom teeth removed, Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is the place to be. "
"Hi, my name is Jenna and I'm from Redwood, and I came to Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked into Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, I felt very comforted. They made the whole process of it very easy. Dr. Curtis was just always positive and nice to talk to. Anytime I talked to him, he made me feel so much better about having my wisdom teeth out. The staff was wonderful. They're more than willing to accommodate all of my needs, and I really appreciate it. My procedure and my recovery were absolutely successful. To my friends in Clayton Village that are looking to get their wisdom teeth out, I would totally recommend Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. "
"Hi, my name is Keith and I'm from Watertown. I came to Upstate Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to have a dental implant. When I first walked into the practice, I felt at home. Dr. Curtis is really friendly. We even had the same artillery job in the military. The procedure went well. It was pretty routine. The recovery went well. I heal quick. My quality of life has improved. I'm really looking forward to eating steak again. Overall experience with the practice has been great. Having my smile restored is like a dream. I would recommend Upstate Oral Surgery."
"Hi, my name is Kelsie and I'm from Antwerp and I came to Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to get my wisdom teeth removed. The staff here are absolutely amazing. They greeted me with a smile. They made sure I was always comfortable and were constantly checking up on me to make sure I was feeling okay. Dr. Curtis is a great guy. He's constantly making sure everyone here is feeling safe and he always makes sure that you are walking out here with a big smile. The procedure went great and the recovery went amazing. I love my time here and I would highly recommend Dr. Curtis and his experienced team."
"Hi, my name is Keyan. I'm from Watertown. I came to Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to get my wisdom teeth removed. I knew, walking through the doors, that this was the perfect place. Everyone here treated me very well. Everyone in the staff here has bubbly personalities. They're all super nice. Dr. Curtis is the kind of guy who can relate to anyone, no matter the patient. His conversation beforehand just eases every patient. My procedure was successful, and the recovery went as expected. I'm very glad that I chose this practice to get my wisdom teeth removed. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anybody."
"Hi, my name is Kristi and I'm from Antwerp. I came to Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to get my wisdom teeth out and my extractions. I had a great experience here. The staff here is very friendly, and they're very comforting when you need them. Dr. Curtis is a true professional. He made me feel at ease the entire time, was able to explain everything he was doing, and I thought he did an amazing job. The procedure I had was absolutely successful. It feels great to have a healthy smile now, and it's all thanks to Dr. Curtis and his team. I highly recommend Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants."
"My name is Macie, I’m from Antwerp, and I came to Upstate Oral Surgery to get a wisdom teeth extraction. When I first came in, I was really nervous, but then the team made me feel all calm and reassuring me that everything was going to go fine. Dr. Curtis really knows what he’s doing. He did make me feel very comfortable. The procedure went a lot faster than I thought it would. The recovery went really well, and it was short. I would recommend Upstate Oral Surgery to any friends or family members in the Philadelphia area."
Learn More About Us
We would like you to explore our website and learn more about our practice, the services we offer, and the expert-level treatment that you can expect from Dr. Curtis. We are honored to care for the people in our area and provide them with the health, smile, and confidence they need to live happy and healthy lives. Your team at Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants looks forward to meeting with you and learning about how we can take the steps together towards fulfilling your oral surgery needs.