- What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Am I A Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- How Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Performed?
- Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reviews
- Recovery Following Oral Surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Preserve Your Health and Smile
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
An individual's final four molars that commonly emerge during the late teen years are called wisdom teeth. Found at the furthermost rear point of each side of each arch, wisdom teeth (also referred to as the third molars) frequently don't have enough room to grow in completely, are troublesome to keep clean and healthy, and may require removal to safeguard overall oral wellness. Wisdom teeth can be impacted (stuck in the gum tissues or jawbone), poorly aligned, or unable to emerge as they should, causing a variety of dental disorders. Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers wisdom teeth extractions for Germantown, Arlington, Memphis, and surrounding Tennessee communities to enhance dental wellness and safeguard against jaw pain and deterioration. When you or someone in your family has aching or ingrown wisdom teeth, call your nearest location to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sexton, Dr. Weiskopf, or Dr. Russ to learn more about your treatment options.
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Removing impacted or problematic wisdom teeth can help you avoid a variety of dental issues and ensure long-term well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of wisdom tooth removal:
- Prevents overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth
- Reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Alleviates pain and discomfort caused by impacted teeth
- Avoids the formation of cysts or tumors around the wisdom teeth
- Enhances overall oral hygiene by making it easier to clean your teeth
Am I A Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Generally, third molar removals are recommended for young adults who are between the ages of 17 – 25. Not everyone's molars will automatically need extraction, but leaving unhealthy wisdom teeth inside of the mouth can cause further possible dental complications in the future. We may suggest wisdom teeth removal for people who have:
- Totally or partiallyimpacted?third molars beneath the gums or jaw
- Inadequate space for completethird molar emergence
- Overcrowded teeth
- Any development of a lump in the jaw
- Gum bleeding or swelling, mouth swelling, or jaw joint aches
- Damage to the wisdom teeth or patients who have trouble making sure the wisdom teeth are clean
How Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Performed?
Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery carries out third molar removals with the patient under IV anesthesia to improve comfort. The majority of cases of wisdom teeth removal require an excision method, particularly when the teeth are ingrown, have abnormally shaped roots, or are securely anchored to the jaw. Once Dr. Sexton, Dr. Weiskopf, or Dr. Russ creates an incision in the gum tissues to access the impacted tooth, they will often split it into individual pieces, which allows for easier extraction. Often, all of your wisdom teeth would be taken out in one session. Sutures are often used to promote the recovery period. Finally, we utilize the patient's growth factors to promote healing by inserting platelet-rich fibrin into the extraction sites. Our highly talented staff will provide you with post-op guidelines to adhere to during the days following your procedure.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reviews
Dr. Weiskopf is extremely nice and talented! I went here for my wisdom teeth extraction and it was such a breeze with minimal discomfort after. The entire office is friendly, professional, and helpful. Couldn’t recommend this practice any more!
Dr. Weiskopf and his staff were kind, gentle, efficient, and communicative while I was in their care. I had a necessary tooth extraction yesterday at their office and I’ve been comfortable at home ever since. They were able to remove a back molar without over-stressing my jaw. They also took into consideration my severe sleep apnea when choosing the right level of anesthesia for me, and I received anti-nausea medication to help me tolerate my pain medicine as requested. I feel like they heard and took into consideration my needs as an individual patient and not just another body in the chair. I recommend using this professional team.
We've been going to this practice for a number of years and have had all of our kids wisdom teeth removed with them. They are always kind and professional! They had family friendly TV in the waiting room in Arlington and the new office is very nice and clean!
I was generally concerned about my the tooth extraction but it went well. Dr Sexton was very calm, considerate, and re-assuring through out the procedure. I had local anaesthesia to numb the area and I did not feel anything during the surgery. It was smooth and quick including a few stitches. Instructions for after care were shared verbally as well as on paper to take home with me, as well as a prescription to pick up from my local pharmacy. Overall it was a great experience and if I need to get any other extractions I know I am in safe hands. And the icing on the cake was the after hours check up call. I had my surgery at about 1pm and Doctor Sexton called me at 7pm to check up on me.All was well, even after the anaesthesia wore off I didn’t need and pain meds!! 48 hours later no swelling or pain. Thank you Doctor Sexton and team for a great patient experience!!
Dr. Sexton and his team are awesome. And I mean from the receptionists, to the Nurses, to the radiologists to Dr Sexton. Just First Class going back to when Dr Sexton extracted my sons wisdom teeth 20 years ago. Good man and really cares about his patients.9-02-2025 - Another great experience with a First Class organization. Dr Sexton has been systematically correcting a lot of youthful exuberance and aggressive sports on my part. Crowns that have exceeded their life expectancy after 40 years. I love that the full process may take a little longer but your end result is a rock solid removal of a bad tooth and replacement with an implant that is done professionally and built to last. And a little fun college sports talked mixed in.
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Recovery Following Oral Surgery
Patients who request oral or IV sedation to relax them throughout their procedure will have to bring a trustworthy friend to take them home. During the initial few days following the extraction, it's necessary to avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, consuming high or low-temperature foods and drinks, and fully stop using tobacco and e-cigs. These behaviors can often displace the blood clot at the removal area and result in a condition called "dry socket." It is not abnormal to experience mid-face puffiness and discomfort after third molar removals, which may be helped with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers and cold packs held to the face. We will provide you with instructions to enable you to take care of your oral health at home and set up a check-in visit to assess your surgical sites while they improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do wisdom teeth often have to be removed?
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed due to their tendency to become impacted, which can cause pain, swelling, and infection. As these third molars emerge, there may not be enough space in the jaw for them, leading to misalignment and crowding of nearby teeth. Additionally, their location makes them difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
When are wisdom teeth usually removed?
Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens to early twenties, when they are still developing and before they cause potential complications. Dental professionals may recommend extraction if there are signs of crowding, impaction, or infection. However, the exact timing can vary based on individual dental health and the position of the wisdom teeth.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
While you can generally get back to school, work, and normal everyday routines after about three to five days for the initial healing, complete healing may take a few weeks. Patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising during the first few days, but these symptoms typically improve with rest and proper care. Following the dentist's post-operative instructions can help ensure a smoother and quicker recovery process.
Preserve Your Health and Smile
Stephen Barrett Sexton, D.D.S. is pleased to provide wisdom tooth removals to maintain the future comfort of your family's smiles. This precision oral surgery is commonly done for Memphis, TN adults and teens and might be necessary in the case that natural dental emergence is not likely to occur or further issues are present. To get more details about wisdom tooth removal, schedule a consultation at Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery as soon as you can.