Wisdom Teeth Removal in Winston-Salem

Do I need to get my wisdom teeth out?

Your dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, checks your wisdom teeth during your preventive exam. We typically recommend extraction if we notice a partial eruption or wisdom teeth encroaching on their neighbors. 

But don't worry! You don't need wisdom teeth to enjoy a full and healthy smile. These teeth, located at the back of the mouth, are not seen and never used. 

What are some signs and symptoms that I should have my wisdom teeth removed?

• Pain: Persistent pain coming from one or both sides of the jaw behind your last visible molar.
• Swelling: Swelling in your lower jaw without any apparent cause.
• Soreness: Chronic soreness behind the last visible tooth that lasts for a few days and then goes away only to come back a couple of months later.
• Partial eruption: You can see part of your wisdom tooth poking through the gums, but it does not come in fully.
• Impaction: Your dentist tells you your wisdom teeth are "impacted." This term means that your wisdom teeth will not come in normally because they are stuck in bone, against other teeth, or gum tissue.

Consultation

If you are not a regular patient in our office, a consultation with the dentist who took the panoramic x-ray (the x-ray that goes around your head and shows your entire jaw and all teeth) is needed. However, if you are a regular patient, no consultation is necessary as your wisdom teeth will be evaluated at your cleaning visits. 

Radiographic Evaluation

Dr. Nelson can evaluate your wisdom teeth here in Winston-Salem with their digital, low-dose X-ray machine.

What are the disadvantages of not having my wisdom teeth removed? 

Damage to nearby teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth by running into them as they attempt to enter your mouth. Bone can be lost around adjacent teeth, which weakens the support those teeth have.

Changes to teeth alignment: When wisdom teeth erupt, they push into the adjacent teeth and can cause teeth to become crooked or maligned. For this reason, many orthodontists will recommend wisdom tooth removal shortly after braces treatment is completed. 

Cyst formation: Cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth trapped in the bone or gums, destroying teeth and jaw bone.

Gum disease in adjacent teeth: Gum disease (periodontal disease) can develop around the second molars due to impacted wisdom teeth because proper hygiene and cleaning cannot occur.

Infections (pericoronitis): Infections can develop around wisdom teeth. Infections can range from minor that resolve independently to severe that require hospitalization and surgery.

Pain: Pain can develop if food debris or bacteria can access wisdom teeth sites.

Prone to cavities or gum disease in the future: Symptom-free (non-painful) wisdom teeth can still harbor disease or cause a significant problem later in life. Wisdom teeth are the last tooth in the mouth and are exceedingly difficult to clean properly. As a result, these teeth are very prone to get cavities or gum disease in the future. 

First, we schedule your procedure and provide instructions for pre- and aftercare. Wisdom tooth removal in Winston-Salem is performed under anesthesia (a numbing agent), but you can talk to the dentist about sedation dentistry if you're still anxious.

Wisdom tooth removal is image-guided and always gentle. We also rinse and clean the site to prevent infection. After removal, follow the aftercare instructions to promote faster healing.

How do you ensure the wisdom tooth removal process is as comfortable as possible? 

We use modern dental technology and powerful anesthesia to provide a comfortable dental experience. Your treatment is guided by imaging for precision, and we even offer an aftercare protocol to ease pain and swelling. 

Cost varies for several reasons, including the number of teeth needing extraction, the complexity, and your insurance coverage. Please see our frequently asked questions for more information. 

How can I afford to have my wisdom teeth taken out? 

Our dental office offers quality dental care, and we work to make it affordable. We file all billings with your insurance company and advocate for you. We can also talk about financing plans, and remember to ask one of our team members about potential discounts for those without insurance (cash payments). 

We look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free smile again! Call today to get started.