Wisdom Teeth Removal in Flint, MI

Many dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth removed early to prevent them from damaging your oral health. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop. The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, so it can be problematic when an additional four try to squeeze in. Wisdom teeth develop during the late teens or early twenties. The sooner they are taken out, the less of a chance they have to cause issues. A person usually develops four wisdom teeth, but some people develop more than four while others develop none at all. It's important to attend regular checkups with your dentist, who tracks the development of these third molars.

When your general dentist spots wisdom teeth developing, they refer you to an oral surgeon to have them extracted. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgical procedures involving the mouth and face. Our experts at Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center regularly perform this procedure in the safety and comfort of our six offices in Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Owosso, Oxford, and Midland.

Wisdom Teeth Consultation Appointment

When you visit Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center in Flint, MI, your surgeon will thoroughly examine your mouth and X-rays to determine the position and development stage of your wisdom teeth. If your surgeon determines that your wisdom teeth pose a risk to your overall oral health, an individual treatment plan will be developed for wisdom teeth removal.

Easy, Virtual Consultations

Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center is pleased to offer after-hours online video consultations for patients seeking wisdom teeth removal.

An online video consultation is a virtual appointment that takes place in a HIPAA-compliant video conference setting. It is a safe and convenient way to meet your doctor and care team while you receive important information about your treatment plan, financial details, pre- and post-operative instructions, and more. As an added bonus, an online video consultation allows you to have an appointment at the time and place that is convenient for you. An online video consultation is very similar to an in-person consultation, so you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

While we make every effort to ensure we exceed our patients’ expectations, eligibility is at the discretion of the practice to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. In general, patients seeking an online video consultation should

• Be between the ages of 14 and 30 years of age
• Be in good health
• Have recent panorex X-rays
• Have a reliable, high-speed internet connection

Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that grows at an angle and becomes trapped beneath the gum. Wisdom teeth have large and unpredictable roots, which can damage nerves and roots of other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to properly clean, which can lead to infections. Leaving these teeth untreated for a long period of time can lead to the formation of painful cysts and tumors.

When canine teeth are impacted, they are treated with an expose and bond procedure. Wisdom teeth, however, do not serve a primary function and can simply be removed.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

During your first visit, you will meet with one of our oral surgeons, who will discuss your options for anesthesia and take 3D scans of your mouth. Most patients undergo IV sedation, which puts you into a sleep-like state unable to feel pain. A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours after your procedure.

On the day of the procedure, your surgeon will remove any exposed wisdom teeth with forceps. We will break impacted wisdom teeth into smaller pieces before extracting them all. Any incisions are stitched closed, and you will rest in our recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. Be sure to follow the post-operative instructions closely to ensure proper care of the surgical sites and how to manage discomfort.

Be sure to keep the extraction sites clean throughout the healing process. Do not drink through straws, as this can cause dry socket. Rinse your mouth with salt water beginning the day after surgery. Pain or swelling can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs, and sticking to soft foods for a few days.

Have Wisdom Teeth Removed in Flint, MI

If it is time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth extracted, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule an appointment. You can find our office on the southern side of Flint near I-75 and W Hill Rd. Our Flint, MI, office proudly serves the surrounding areas of Burton, Davison, Fenton, Grand Blanc, and Lapeer.