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WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “Do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?” Of course, we can’t answer this question on a website, but often, the answer is yes.

WHY SHOULD I REMOVE MY WISDOM TEETH?

If you are one of the lucky ones whose wisdom teeth came in smoothly and properly aligned, congratulations! You are in the distinct minority, and wisdom teeth removal will not be necessary in your case.

If, however, you are in the majority and your teeth came in crooked or didn’t fully erupt at all (a condition known as impaction), removing your wisdom teeth will probably be the right choice for you.

WHAT IF I DON’T REMOVE MY WISDOM TEETH?

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems. Some of the issues that we see here in our practice include:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth forcing your other teeth out of alignment
  • Infections in the gums caused by bacteria entering small openings in the gum tissue from a partially impacted tooth
  • Wisdom teeth that have developed decay because they can’t be properly brushed and flossed
  • Clenching and grinding caused by teeth that are not properly aligned
  • Pain from wisdom teeth putting excessive pressure on the rest of the teeth in the jaw
  • Cracks and fractures to the other teeth from the added stress
  • Occasionally cysts and tumors occur around impacted wisdom teeth

There are many excellent studies validating the medical and dental need for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss your specific situation and to determine need and a course of action.

HOW WILL YOU DETERMINE IF I NEED MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

The first step is to call Liberty Oral & Facial Surgery and schedule your consultation appointment with oral surgeon Dr. Bryan McLelland. Dr. McLelland will listen carefully to your concerns and then perform a thorough evaluation, which will also include radiographs so that we can see what’s going on beneath the surface of your gums.

If we determine that surgical removal of your wisdom teeth is appropriate, we will schedule your surgery for a time that’s convenient for you. Since we may be using anesthesia, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Dr. McLelland will also give you your pre-surgery instructions so that you know what to expect and can prepare for your procedure.

You’ll also be provided after-care instructions for the hours and days following your procedure. Make sure to read through these and follow them to decrease your risks of complications like a dry socket or infection. If medication is needed following your wisdom teeth extraction, Dr. McLelland will give you a prescription. Take all medications exactly as prescribed.

We welcome your questions and encourage you to call us at 509-922-2273 or schedule your appointment today.

OUR PATIENT REVIEWS

  • The staff was great here. Both professional and fun to be around. I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled and my normal dentist said that the surgery was going to... read more

    James Story Avatar James Story
    January 29, 2020

    Dr. McClellan was great. His staff was so friendly and comforting. Kris and Justin took such great care of my son. I would highly recommend them!!!

    Hope Harper Avatar Hope Harper
    December 16, 2019
  • Had a tooth pulled Monday. Having no issues . Staff is very professional and helpful. Had a implant put in on 11/13/19. No pain what so ever staff very... read more

    Brent Lewis Avatar Brent Lewis
    December 16, 2019

    I felt very comfortable here. Staff are very nice and knowledgeable. They definitely made sure that I was aware all risk and care for before and after post surgery on... read more

    Saundra Bergquist Avatar Saundra Bergquist
    December 7, 2019
  • I felt very comfortable here. Staff are very nice and knowledgeable. They definitely made sure that I was aware all risk and care for before and after post surgery on... read more

    Saundra Bergquist Avatar Saundra Bergquist
    December 7, 2019

    Excellent service. Staff is amazing. I understood exactlly what was being done and everything went beyond my expectations. The Exparel pain relief is amazing no soreness in my mouth... read more

    Paul Carroll Avatar Paul Carroll
    December 6, 2019
  • Great hospitality. Super quick procedure for my wisdom teeth. In and out in less than an hour!

    Marvin Reyes Avatar Marvin Reyes
    November 22, 2019

    I love the doctors. Made the pre and post surgery easy and little to no pain. Also loved the helpful email reminders after my surgery

    Kaela DuChesne Avatar Kaela DuChesne
    November 16, 2019
  • Such a nice environment! Just had my wisdom teeth pulled out and it was such a good experience! They even called me later in the day to make sure I... read more

    KRISTINA FORD Avatar KRISTINA FORD
    November 10, 2019

    Had number 9 pulled. No pain no swelling, staff was very caring and pleasant.

    Jim Oxford Avatar Jim Oxford
    October 22, 2019
  • It was an amazing experience! Dr. McLelland made it very quick and there was hardly any pain. I was nervous about it being painful, but it hardly hurt at all!... read more

    Abi Michaelis Avatar Abi Michaelis
    August 16, 2019

    Went in for a FREE consultation and then I was told when leaving that I owed $127.00 for an X-ray that I did not ask for. I paid said bill and... read more

    Jeffrey Long Avatar Jeffrey Long
    July 19, 2019
  • I had an oral implant in May 2019, and from my original consult to pre-op to the actual procedure and post-op, I can say I am highly satisfied and impressed!... read more

    Vickie Dawson Avatar Vickie Dawson
    May 17, 2019

    Dr. McLelland and his staff are the best in the business. Dr. McLelland talks you through all the procedures. His staff is very attentive, kind and friendly

    Douglas Stewart Avatar Douglas Stewart
    April 11, 2019
  • I just love this place! Dr. Moody is awesome! And all the staff are friendly and caring. I have and will continue to recommend liberty to anyone seeking dental care.

    bridgette terrell Avatar bridgette terrell
    April 2, 2019

    I had 3 teeth extracted here, one being an impacted wisdom tooth. Dr. Moody did an amazing job. It was painless during the procedure and the procedure didn't take much... read more

    Kati Doney Avatar Kati Doney
    March 27, 2019
  • Amazing staff Bryan Mclelland was great would not go anywhere else. They got it down.

    Michael Phillips Avatar Michael Phillips
    March 18, 2019

    Dr. Jones pulled my wisdom tooth 4 days ago and it's healing perfectly. He forewarned me that my tooth was sitting close to a nerve that might result in facial... read more

    Becca B Avatar Becca B
    January 29, 2019
  • Wonderful caregivers. Make sure you are well educated on everything going on. Dr Mclelland is a very skilled surgeon and called later the day of to check up on my... read more

    Laura Wright Avatar Laura Wright
    January 25, 2019

    This was such a positive experience for me!...the staff at Liberty are absolutely attentive, concerned and wonderful...Thank you, Liberty Oral Surgery, for the comfort and speed of my tooth extraction!!

    Laineyrose7 Avatar Laineyrose7
    December 31, 2018