Wisdom Teeth Removal | Oral Surgery in Omaha, NE

What are wisdom teeth?

Third molars, which are located in the back of the mouth, are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They usually develop between the mid teenage years and the early twenties.

What is an impacted tooth?

Most people do not have enough room in their mouths for the four wisdom teeth. When there is not enough space, the teeth do not erupt properly and become impacted. This means that they become trapped between the jawbone and the gums.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If the third molars become impacted, a number or problems can arise. In most cases, wisdom teeth should be removed between the mid teens to the early twenties. The likelihood of issues increases if a patient does not have their wisdom teeth removed by the age of 30. Some of the problems that may occur if the wisdom teeth are not removed include:

Infection
Cyst Formation
Possible Crowding
Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Oral Examination

Dr. Michael Shnayder is proud to extract wisdom teeth in Omaha, Nebraska.With an oral examination and X-rays of the mouth, our oral surgeon can examine the position of the wisdom teeth and detect any present or potential problems. Usually, patients are evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What happens on the day they are removed?

On the day of extraction, we suggest that a parent or responsible adult come with you to the office and stay with you the rest of the day. Wisdom tooth removal will take about 30 to 60 minutes, and you will be in the office for about 90 minutes.

Do not eat anything for at least eight hours before your surgery, excluding prescription medications with a sip of water. If you do not follow these guidelines, your surgery will be rescheduled. If we provide you with a prescription pain medication at your consultation appointment, it can be filled in advance. The IV is usually placed in your left arm if you are to be sedated. To ensure your comfort and to allow you time to travel home and rest, local anesthesia is given to you after the procedure. You will be drowsy for most of the day.

If your procedure requires stitches, our oral surgeon usually places the type that dissolve in three to five days, so they do not need to be removed. If you notice the sensation of the gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth, this is a normal part of recovery and will stop in a few days.

You may need prescription pain medication once the local anesthesia wears off. Please see if a non-narcotic, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen will suffice. If it is not sufficient, begin your prescription pain medication. We recommend consuming clear liquids like Jell-O and broths after surgery. As you recover, gradually transition to solid foods. Do not consume dairy products like yogurt and milkshakes on the day of surgery, as this may cause nausea. If you are on birth control pills and are given antibiotics, be aware that the birth control may become ineffective and take the appropriate precautions.

What happens afterward? How will I feel?

You may experience minor bleeding and pain on the first day after surgery. Swelling, which usually peaks on the second day and begins lessening on the third day, can also be expected after surgery. A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. To lessen swelling, apply ice to your face for the entire first day. Often, the jaw muscles will become on the third day. Apply moist heat to your face to relax your muscles. Limit your activities for a few days. Most patients are well on their way to recovery within three to five days.