Removing Third Molars
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow into the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. However, many dental health professionals recommend removing them before they are fully developed and erupt into the mouth due to the oral health problems they are known to cause.
Early monitoring of developing wisdom teeth is important when determining the best time for removal because it’s very common for these molars to cause problems even before symptoms arise. For many people, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for these four extra teeth, and without enough space, they can cause damage to adjacent molars or become impacted (trapped beneath the gum tissue). In fact, they are the most likely teeth to become impacted. To avoid the potential oral health problems that impaction can cause, such as infection, crowding, pain, cysts, and more, most dental professionals recommend early removal of wisdom teeth.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
This common procedure is recommended by dental health professionals for a couple of reasons:
- Easier procedure and recovery. When wisdom teeth are removed before they erupt into the mouth, they tend to be smaller and underdeveloped. This makes the surgical process of removing them easier, which also helps with recovery.
- Avoid oral health complications. It is common for wisdom teeth to impact oral health when they are left untreated, causing complications such as infection, severe pain, gum disease, tooth decay, and dental shifting of nearby teeth. When removed as a preventive measure, many of these issues can be reduced or even avoided entirely.
Dr. Nedbalski and Dr. Luter treat patients of all ages at Boulder Oral Surgery. With a practice in Boulder, CO, he can diagnose and treat your condition with advanced dental procedures, personalized treatment plans, and the highest standard of care.
Signs & Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
If discomfort, redness, or swelling is present behind your back molars, or if you experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth, your teeth may be impacted or infected. If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to call your dentist.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
When you have been recommended for wisdom teeth extractions, your dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon, such as Dr. Nedbalski or Dr. Luter. Your oral surgeon will thoroughly examine your condition and review X-rays and another diagnostic scan to formulate the ideal treatment plan for you. Your options for anesthesia will also be discussed with you. Your oral surgeon will also take the time to answer any questions you may have about your surgical procedure.
Types of Anesthesia
Boulder Oral Surgery performs a wide scope of oral surgery procedures and offers many types of anesthesia for the comfort and safety of our patients. The anesthesia used for your procedure will be selected by your oral surgeon. Your health history, personal preference, and unique treatment plan will all be considered when deciding which anesthesia is right for you.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"My name is Heather. I live in Niwot, Colorado, and I came to Boulder Oral Surgery with my daughter to get her wisdom teeth out. When I first walked into the practice, we were a little nervous, but the girls at the front desk made us feel really comfortable right away, no worries at all. The staff was phenomenal. They made the experience actually fun. We did a lot of laughing. Her recovery was very good, very smooth. They gave very good instructions. Our overall experience was amazing. I would absolutely recommend Boulder Oral Surgery to others, and I have."
"My name is Kaylin, I live in Denver, and I came to Boulder Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked in, it was really nice just to see a nice clean office with friendly faces and just nice people. The team here was really attentive. Everyone treated me like family; it was really a good experience. Dr. Nedbalski is a really personable person. He is easy to get along with and very professional. My procedure was over before I knew it. It was really a good, comfortable experience. If anyone in the CU area is looking for an oral surgeon, I would definitely recommend going to Boulder Oral Surgery with Dr. Nedbalski."
"My name is Cayden, I live in Broomfield, and I came to Boulder Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth out. I was definitely a little bit nervous. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the staff helped out a lot. They were very comforting, they were very kind, and they had a very professional manner as well. The doctors here are very kind and helpful. They made the process very easy for me. The procedure was easy. It wasn’t very long, and I felt great afterwards. Now that I have my wisdom teeth out, I feel amazing. I would definitely come back if I needed to. I’m very happy with my overall experience here at Boulder Oral Surgery."
"My name is Brandon. I live in Longmont, and I came to Boulder Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. The practice is definitely warm, inviting, everyone’s friendly and always greets you with a smile, and just makes you feel at home. My overall experience was really great. I really enjoyed the doctor I had, and I think the team was really great. They were busy, but they also were good at making each patient feel like you’re the only patient they have, and they are giving you one hundred percent focus. The procedure and the post-op were both easy and successful. I would definitely recommend Boulder Oral Surgery to any of my friends in Longmont."
"My name’s Joey, I live in Superior, and I came to Boulder Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first came into the practice, everybody was really warm and inviting. The team made me feel very welcome and made my procedure easier than I thought it was going to be. They get you ready and talk to you and make sure you’re all good before the procedure begins. Came in, kind of nervous, woke up, had my wisdom teeth out, went home; it was easy. After my procedure, I feel awesome: totally normal and fully recovered. If I needed more oral surgery, this is the place I would come. I would give Boulder Oral Surgery five out of five stars."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
Dr. Nedbalski and Dr. Luter make every effort to ensure their patients are comfortable throughout treatment. Your options for anesthesia will be discussed during your consultation appointment. Post-operative discomfort may be managed in the hours after surgery with over-the-counter or prescription medication, ice packs, and a diet based on soft foods.
2. What is the cost of wisdom tooth extraction?
The type of anesthesia, insurance coverage, and depth of impaction will all factor into the final cost of your wisdom teeth removal procedure. When you come to Boulder Oral Surgery for wisdom teeth extractions, you will receive an estimate of your cost of treatment after your consultation appointment.
3. Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
In general, most people do not have the extra space for four more molars in the mouth. Your dentist will be able to monitor your molars as they develop using X-rays or other diagnostic scans, and they can refer you to an oral surgeon when it is time for them to be removed.
4. Why do my wisdom teeth have to be removed by an oral surgeon?
Third molars are often extracted while they are still beneath the gums, which makes for a more invasive procedure than a routine tooth extraction. Oral surgeons have received years of education and training beyond dental school to be able to practice the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including the safe administration of anesthesia. Because of their specialized training, oral surgeons can perform outpatient procedures safely and address any oral health or surgical complications such as impaction and infection.
Building Better Smiles For Boulder
At Boulder Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our goal is to bring you the best smile possible through exceptional oral surgery services tailored to meet your unique needs. From your first appointment to well after your procedure, we are here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health. We encourage you to reach out to our office to schedule a consultation and discover the life-changing power of oral surgery.