Wisdom Teeth Removal in Birmingham, AL

Your wisdom teeth, also called your third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. That's why we call them wisdom teeth---they usually emerge after we've matured, in the mid to late teens. But our modern diets have changed our mouths, meaning that most people's wisdom teeth do not have room to grow in proper alignment.

Poorly positioned wisdom teeth lead to a host of oral health complications. The pressure they place on other teeth often disrupts our natural bite pattern, which can lead to issues like crooked teeth, chronic headaches, gum disease, and tooth decay. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain and lead to infections, cysts, or tumors.

If your dentist has recommended an evaluation for wisdom tooth extraction, call Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center. Our state-of-the-art surgery center uses only the most advanced imaging tools, surgical techniques, and anesthetic monitoring equipment to ensure your full safety and optimum recovery.

What to Expect from Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Your surgeon will either use images sent by your dentist, or take a new comprehensive digital image of your teeth to determine their condition and position. Our precise technology allows us to make predictions about problems your wisdom teeth may cause in the future and choose the best surgical approach for your situation.

On the day of your procedure, you may receive local or general anesthesia. Speak with your doctor about your full range of numbing options, including IV anesthesia. Once the procedure is complete, we will suture the gums and place gauze over the area. After a period of supervised rest in our office, we'll send you home under the care of a responsible adult.

We will provide detailed aftercare instructions, any necessary prescriptions, and a follow-up appointment date. Expect to experience some mild swelling and discomfort for 3 to 5 days. Full recovery usually takes about 2 weeks.

Helpful Links for Patients

IV Sedation

For patients with dental phobias or high anxiety about oral procedures, we offer IV anesthesia here at our Inverness office.

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Surgical Instructions

For your convenience, we have provided links to your wisdom tooth extraction aftercare instructions, as well as other resources.

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Patient Forms

New to Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center? Complete your new patient paperwork online to save time on the day of your appointment.

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Wisdom Teeth FAQs

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth come in perfectly aligned, you may not have to have them removed. But for the vast majority of people, there simply isn't enough room on the jawbone to host these third molars. These extra teeth may grow sideways and become trapped under the gum (a.k.a. impacted wisdom teeth) or erupt only partially, creating a pathway for a multitude of complications including pain, swelling, infections, tooth decay, and even tumors.

How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

Depending on the number of teeth we are removing and their position, wisdom tooth extractions usually take around 30-40 minutes to complete. With our advanced imaging technology, Dr. Maniscalco will provide a thorough examination prior to surgery to determine the precise position of each tooth and identify any potential complications. Our goal is to safely minimize your time in surgery so you can maximize your recovery.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

Actually, no! About two-thirds of the population is born with wisdom teeth, which are vestigial structures (no longer useful or necessary for modern life). Some people's wisdom teeth never cause problems, but for most, they take up extra room that our mouths no longer have. Modern jawbones have room for about 28 teeth---people with wisdom teeth have 32!

We recommend early evaluation, preferably in the teenage years, to determine whether your wisdom teeth may need to be removed. Early intervention is key to the best outcomes!

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