Wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage in oral health, a routine but important procedure that dentists and specialists may recommend for patients especially between the ages of 14 and 21. Children and parents elect to have these teeth taken out to promote a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come and to prevent dental damage and discomfort.

Midland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has been the practice of choice for wisdom teeth removal over its decades of serving our community.  As specialists, our doctors have extensive experience in safe IV sedation, which allows our patients to sleep comfortably throughout the entire procedure.

Why Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Many patients require wisdom teeth removal because their third molar teeth, located at the rear of their mouth, can’t erupt properly from their gums. This can cause future problems, pain when chewing and biting, oral infection, and the formation of cysts in the jaws.

Having your teeth extracted when you are young helps prevent these problems. Younger patients will also find the surgery less complicated and their recovery faster and more comfortable.

What to Expect at Midland OMFS

During your initial consultation at our practice, you’ll share your medical history, have a panoramic X-ray taken, and watch a brief video that reviews the purpose of wisdom teeth removal. Your doctor will also discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.

One of the things that families often want to know is how painful the procedure will be.  Our doctors are specialists certified in anesthetic techniques, and nearly all of our patients opt to receive IV sedation. The experience is so relaxed that they typically wake up after surgery asking us when the procedure will begin! We ask that a responsible adult is present for the entire procedure and is able to drive you home once it has been completed and you are awake.

I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled at once with IV sedation. I was very nervous as it was my first time ever being sedated. The doctor and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly making me less nervous once in the chair. My procedure was quick and smooth and recovery has been better than expected.
-Tori S.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Plan to not eat or drink on the day of your procedure. You will also need a responsible adult present for the entire procedure and able to drive you home from the Midland OMFS office.
Having your wisdom teeth taken out is a simple process for most patients:

  • We will start your IV sedation and, when you’re asleep, numb the surgical sites.
  • Your doctor will remove the wisdom teeth.
  • A Surgical Assistant will assist through the entire procedure and recovery

The procedure will take about one hour. Wisdom teeth removal patients can usually leave for home soon after the surgery is complete.

Recovery Following Surgery

Most people will need 1-2 days to return to their daily activities. We advise patients to take it easy and to use recommended pain medications. Dietary restrictions last for a couple of days, during which you should stick to a soft diet, as directed.

You can return to most normal activities by Day 3, but you should avoid certain things, like sports, heavy lifting, or playing a windblown musical instrument. Sutures in the surgical sites will go away on their own, and there is usually no requirement to come back to Midland OMFS for a post-procedure checkup. If you do experience any issues please call our office to speak with a surgical assistant who will be able to answer your questions or depending on your concerns they may recommend you come in for a follow up visit.

Patients sometimes ask in their consultation about dry socket: a condition that only affects about 10-15% of people after wisdom teeth removal. If you have pain during your recovery and need additional care, Midland OMFS can offer medication to resolve this issue. Our goal is to provide you with the best treatment and experience possible.

We would love to talk with you about wisdom teeth removal. Contact us online or by phone at (989) 839-9979 to schedule an appointment.