Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and a variety of oral health problems.
Wisdom teeth removal can prevent decay, infection, and pain. Fortunately, the procedure can be fast and virtually painless.
Dr. Matt Dillard in Charleston, SC, can help you take preventive measures and remove your or your child's wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are third molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties, making them the last adult teeth to erupt. Most people have two wisdom teeth on the top and two on the bottom, but one or three wisdom teeth are also common.
Some wisdom teeth erupt without any problems, and if you have the space for them, you can keep them. However, it's more likely that your wisdom teeth will have to be removed.
There is rarely a functional need for wisdom teeth, so removing them won't lead to any problems, and they will not need to be replaced with dental implants.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Your wisdom teeth can cause problems and will have to be extracted if:
- You don't have enough space in your jaw to support them
- They're erupting at an incorrect angle
- They're trapped in your jawbone or gums
- You have cavities or gum disease because you can't reach your wisdom teeth to clean them
In other extraction cases, we recommend dental implants, but no restorative work is necessary for wisdom teeth.
Let Us Help You With Your Wisdom Teeth!
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain and lead to infection, so it's best to have them removed as soon as your dentist or oral surgeon recommends it. Our office takes on all kinds of wisdom teeth removal cases, even if your teeth are impacted.
Dr. Dillard is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can comfortably remove your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain, so our friendly staff will do their best to schedule you an appointment as soon as possible.
We have offices located in Charleston and Walterboro, SC, so you can choose an office that's convenient for you! Fill out our online contact form or call us at:
(843) 782-6725
Hear From Our Wisdom Teeth Patients
MissShoRight Shosho
2018
Excellent customer service! I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed here at once. They explained the entire procedure to me before I decided to go ahead and have the surgery. The staff was extremely professional and made sure that I was comfortable the entire time. I would recommend this office to anyone! I was also impressed with how clean the office and operating room was!
View On Google
Kasi Edwards (Kasi)
2017
THANK YOU DR DILLARD!! I had wisdom teeth removal and the experience with him and his staff was awesome!! They made me comfortable and I felt well taken care of!! I had to revisit the office today as a follow up. Again the service was consistently at a level of excellence! HIS ASSISTANT was amazing as well and I am appreciative!!
View On GoogleHow Do I Know If I Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you schedule regular dental exams with a dentist, they will routinely take X-rays to determine if you'll need your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist can then refer you to our Charleston or Walterboro, SC, offices, where Dr. Dillard can proceed with your wisdom teeth removal.
However, you should always be on the lookout for other signs that you may need wisdom teeth removal:
- Bad breath or a persistent bad taste
- Swollen and painful gums
- Cavities
- Sinus pain, headaches, or congestion
- Crooked teeth
What's the Removal Procedure Like?
Dr. Dillard is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so you can feel confident that you're receiving top-notch care from a professional. He'll do everything he can to make sure you or your child is comfortable throughout the procedure.
We are dedicated to your health and well-being and committed to providing the latest surgical techniques to help our patients reach their goals.
You're free to go home after your extraction, but make arrangements to have someone drive you since you'll need to rest for the remainder of the day until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
You may think that wisdom teeth extraction can be put off, but the younger you are when you have the procedure, the better. The optimal time to have your wisdom teeth removed is between the ages of 18 and 24. When you're young, the bone around your teeth is softer and the tooth roots haven't completely formed yet. These factors minimize pain and the chance of damaging nerves.
Hearing from your dentist or oral surgeon that you need your wisdom teeth removed may make you feel anxious, but you don't have to let your anxiety keep you from achieving optimal oral health! According to a study done by Crest, 85% of people need to have their wisdom teeth removed during their lifetime. It's a common procedure, so you can rest assured that your teeth can be removed with minimal discomfort.
"They were amazing from the start. I needed to get my both bottom wisdom teeth extracted. The whole staff was very kind to me from the front desk ladies to the nurses and doctor. The day of my procedure I was a nervous wreck, I honestly have a big fear of dental work. I went to a different dentist for my top wisdom removal and those hurt bad. But these were a piece of cake even though everyone one told me the bottoms are the worst. Seriously go to this office! They will take good care of you!" Stephanie Cruz, 2020 5-Star Review
What Happens If I Don't Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
You may be able to keep your wisdom teeth if they're healthy, grown in completely, positioned correctly, don't interfere with other teeth when you bite, and can be cleaned regularly.
However, if your wisdom teeth need to be removed and you put off the procedure, you may experience problems like:
- Overcrowding
- Misalignment (even after orthodontics)
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Extensive tooth decay
- Infection
- Pain
- Cysts and benign tumors
- Gum disease
How Much Does It Cost?
Wisdom teeth removal is often a necessary procedure that can prevent the need for additional procedures in the future.
Since wisdom teeth removal is often necessary, your insurance should at least contribute to the cost. However, Dr. Dillard and the rest of our staff in Charleston, SC, understand that not everyone has insurance, so we offer in-house payment plans so you can afford this treatment. We also work with CareCredit®, a financing company that allows patients to pay for their dental care in affordable monthly installments.
:quality(70)/https://s3.amazonaws.com/eii-lucid/assets/7047/344905/original.jpg?1613667917)
