Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are an additional set of teeth that grow under the surface of the gums and in many cases are undetectable without proper X-ray evaluation or 3D scanning. It is not uncommon for teens and adults to be unaware that this set of teeth exists in their mouth until they begin to present significant problems. In some cases, the third molars may fully grow into the mouth or partially grow into the mouth, and additional issues may arise. If wisdom teeth fully grow into the mouth, they have the potential to provide increased chewing and grinding power in the mouth. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not have a long enough jaw bone or a large enough mouth to accommodate these teeth.
Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
Whether a patient has impacted wisdom teeth, partially grown wisdom teeth, or fully grown wisdom teeth, they are at an increased risk for the development of a multitude of oral and dental problems, and these issues may require extensive or costly procedures to correct.
Some of the most prevalent problems that wisdom teeth can cause in the mouth are:
- Bacterial growth, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Misalignment of healthy teeth as the wisdom teeth push the second molars forward and cause dental crowding and shifting throughout the mouth
- Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, pain, and even bad breath in the mouth caused by periodontal disease
- Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which can cause issues in healthy teeth and the jaw bone
When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
Maintaining regular dental health checkups with your general dentist should help you to determine when and if wisdom teeth are developing, and your general dentist should recommend that they are removed early. If you currently have wisdom teeth, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to mitigate the issues listed above and avoid costly orthodontic and surgical treatments that may arise from these problems. At Monroe Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we recommend that wisdom teeth removals occur as early as possible, usually during the mid- to late teens. The removal process is much more rapid if wisdom teeth are removed early because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed, and younger patients are more likely to recover quickly from surgery.
If you elect to have your wisdom teeth removed at our office in East Stroudsburg, PA, you will receive a thorough oral examination from a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon—Dr. Matthew Poore. He may determine that it is necessary to supplement any X-rays received from your general dentist with additional X-rays and possibly 3D scanning of the jaws. This will help him to determine the position and size of the teeth, their relation to vital anatomical structures, and any associated pathology. Using all of this information, Dr. Poore will then develop a plan for the extractions that is minimally invasive and provides the patient with the best chance of an optimal recovery.
For your convenience, your procedure will be performed at our office, which is fully equipped to handle any surgical or sedation issues that might arise. Dr. Poore has been extensively trained to administer anesthesia and emphasizes patient safety and comfort.
Our practice offers many anesthetic options to ensure that you are comfortable for your procedure:
- Local Anesthesia – an anesthetic applied directly to the area of removal
- Nitrous Oxide – also known as laughing gas, an anesthetic option used in conjunction with other anesthetic options to calm anxiety during the procedure
- Sedation Anesthesia – an anesthetic administered orally or through an intravenous (IV) line; calms anxiety and relaxes you during the procedure
- General Anesthesia – intravenous (IV) agents administered causing you to lose consciousness during the procedure and resulting in minimal or no recollection of the procedure
If you have any questions before your procedure, our friendly office staff and skilled surgical team are happy to help you in any way possible. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease before receiving treatment and that you completely understand the pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure optimal recovery.
Where can I get my wisdom teeth removed in Monroe County, PA?
At Monroe Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we offer a wide variety of oral and facial surgery services, including the removal of wisdom teeth. Dr. Matthew Poore and his highly skilled team serve all of Monroe County, including East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Marshalls Creek, Tannersville, Bartonsville, Bangor, Bushkill, Brodheadsville, Tobyhanna, Sciota, Saylorsburg, Nazareth, Swiftwater, Mt. Pocono, Reeders, Mt. Bethel, Cresco, Blakeslee, Pocono Summit, Effort, Kresgeville, Kunkletown, Pen Argyl, Hazelton, PA, and Blairstown, NJ.