Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Dr. Fealy now has an Oral Surgeon in house to treat most conditions involving Wisdom Teeth removal. As a patient, you no longer have to be referred out of the office to have this procedure done.

The removal of wisdom teeth prior to eruption involves a surgical procedure that is far from a simple extraction. Some general dentists have the skill required to remove impacted or un-erupted wisdom teeth; however, most people require the services of an oral surgeon. In fact, many patients prefer to be asleep or heavily sedated for the procedure.

To Extract or Not to Extract?

Dentists previously determined whether to extract wisdom teeth using the only diagnostic tool they had at their disposal: a dental examination.

Dr. Fealy may use one or more dental technologies during a dental examination to diagnose the necessity for a wisdom tooth extraction (such as panoramic and digital X-rays). These technologies can help determine candidacy for extraction and the best means to approach the procedure. They are also used to help identify additional risks that may impact Dr. Fealy's approach to the procedure, such as the anatomical features of the tooth and surrounding structures.

The complication risks associated with extraction for people over 35 are greater than those of younger candidates. People over 50 faced with extraction are at a greater risk of complications because the bone fuses to the teeth as we age. There is also a risk of numbness in the extraction area.

Ultimately, if you wait to remove wisdom teeth until there is cause for medical concern, the risk for complications increases. Today, dentists often recommend removing potentially problematic wisdom teeth by age 18.