Remove Third Molars
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, typically appearing in the late teens or early 20s. They can begin developing under the gums as early as ages 10-12. Left untreated, these extra molars can cause oral health issues like impaction and crowding. Most dental professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth early to prevent these complications. Younger patients often experience simpler extractions and quicker recoveries. At our Blackfoot, ID practice, we employ advanced surgical techniques to ensure the best results and minimal downtime for patients of all ages.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, typically four in total, emerge at the back corners of the mouth. Often, these molars pose a fit challenge due to limited mouth space, prompting dental professionals to recommend their removal during early to mid-teen years before full development.
Benefits of Early Removal:
- Simpler Procedure and Recovery: Early removal when wisdom teeth are smaller and less rooted leads to less invasive procedures and quicker recovery times. Many patients report minimal discomfort and fast healing post-extraction.
- Prevention of Oral Health Issues: Early extraction prevents potential future problems such as impaction, dental misalignment, infections, gum disease, and damage to neighboring teeth. This proactive approach saves time, money, and discomfort associated with more complex treatments.
Oral surgeons at Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho specialize in wisdom teeth extraction at any developmental stage. They ensure comfort through expert anesthesia administration and attentive monitoring during procedures. To learn more or schedule a consultation with trusted oral surgeons Dr. Baker or Dr. Jepsen in Blackfoot, ID, visit our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ or contact our office. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for you and your family.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Regular dental checkups are crucial for managing wisdom teeth-related conditions. Even seemingly normal wisdom teeth can cause problems later. When extraction is necessary, your dentist will refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Wisdom teeth extractions are usually performed under sedation, and oral surgeons are the dental professionals with the training and skill to administer this type of anesthesia. The oral surgeons of Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho provide safe and expert wisdom teeth removal in the comfort of our Blackfoot, ID, practice.
First, you or your child will have a consultation with your oral surgeon, which includes an oral examination and, if necessary, detailed 3D diagnostic scans to determine the position of the wisdom teeth and how they are impacted. The doctor will then create a treatment plan, including the type of in-office anesthesia that will ensure the most comfort for you or your child.
We offer several types of anesthesia at our practice; however, wisdom teeth extraction is most commonly performed under intravenous (IV) sedation. IV sedation means that you will enter a sleep-like state and have no awareness of the procedure taking place. For this type of anesthesia, you must not eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least six hours before receiving IV sedation. A responsible adult should be present to drive you home after surgery.
The extractions will be performed in the safety and comfort of one of our two convenient locations in Pocatello and Blackfoot, using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. During the procedure, your surgeon will lift the gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth (or teeth) and remove any small pieces of bone or abnormal structures blocking the growth path. If the wisdom teeth are already grown in, this exposure step will not be necessary. Sometimes, teeth will be broken into pieces to make them easier to remove. Finally, the surgeon will stitch up the surgical site(s), and you will rest until your anesthesia wears off.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced oral surgeons where every aspect of your wisdom teeth removal procedure will be explained to you before your surgery, ensuring you are as relaxed and informed as possible. Your consultation is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have about wisdom teeth removal at our welcoming practice.
Anesthesia Options
Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho offers the following types of in-office anesthesia and sedation.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Blackfoot, ID
During the consultation appointment at Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho, your oral surgeon will conduct an oral exam and take diagnostic images to develop a personalized treatment plan for you or your child. An estimate of the cost of the extraction will be determined at this time as well. The cost will be based on how many wisdom teeth will be extracted, the type of anesthesia that is chosen for the procedure, and how complex the extraction will be. (If the wisdom teeth are impacted, the procedure will be a bit more complex.) Your insurance coverage will also factor into the cost of your treatment. To make things convenient for our patients, we accept many types of insurance and have multiple payment options.
If you or your child need a wisdom teeth extraction procedure, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker or Dr. Jepsen at our trusted Blackfoot, ID, practice. It is our goal to provide the best in gentle, compassionate oral surgery care that is financially accessible to our southeast Idaho community.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"My name is Hunter. I live in Pocatello, Idaho, and I got my wisdom teeth removed. I was a little nervous before the surgery. Dr. Jepsen and his staff were super sweet. Surgery went really well. Dr. Jepsen is always positive, always happy, and so being around him, he makes you happy, and you just have a great time here. Overall, I had a great experience here. I highly recommend coming to Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho."
"Hi, my name’s Jean from Blackfoot and I had my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Baker. The office here is really nice. It’s clean and it’s comfortable and everyone was really friendly the entire time. I think what really helped with the nerves beforehand was that everyone explained it really well. The staff here is really friendly and they were very efficient in their efforts. Dr. Baker was very nice. He made the experience very comfortable for me. Overall, I’d say I had a very good experience here. I would recommend this office, and Dr. Baker and his staff were excellent. "
"Hi, my name is Emma from Pocatello, and I had my wisdom teeth pulled by Dr. Baker. I would describe the office environment to be very welcoming, very homey, and just overall a nice place to be. The staff here is very welcoming. They make sure that you feel safe, and overall I’d say they just did a really great job of taking care of me. Dr. Baker is a very kind doctor. The surgery went very well. Overall, I would say that I had a very good experience here. For my friends and family in Chubbuck and Idaho Falls, I recommend Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho. "
"My name is Katie. I am from Chubbuck, Idaho, and I came here to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first arrived here, the staff was very welcoming. I was a little nervous before, but after coming here and seeing everyone, it was a very relaxing environment, and the surgery was super quick and easy. Dr. Baker was great. He makes you feel very welcome, makes sure you understand what's going on, and what he's going to be doing. My procedure done here at Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho was great. For my friends and family in Burley and Soda Springs area, I would highly recommend Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho."
"Hi, I'm Chloe from Pocatello, and I came to Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho to get my wisdom teeth taken out. When I first walked into the office, I was immediately welcomed. Dr. Jepsen was great at answering all my questions, and he wanted to make sure I felt comfortable. He was really friendly. The WUWTA videos did help me feel more educated about what my procedure was going to entail. My overall experience at this practice was very positive, comforting, and I would definitely come back here. I would recommend Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
Wisdom teeth extractions are typically painless due to the use of intravenous (IV) sedation administered by our experienced oral surgeons. Following the procedure, you may receive prescription pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. However, many patients find over-the-counter pain relievers sufficient for their recovery.
2. How do I know if wisdom teeth should be extracted?
Regular dental check-ups are crucial in monitoring the development of wisdom teeth, especially during adolescence. Early detection is key as symptoms of issues may not always be apparent. Contact our office promptly if you experience swelling, discomfort, or signs of infection near your back molars.
3. What is the recovery like after having wisdom teeth removed?
Most patients recover within two to four days after wisdom teeth removal, allowing them to resume their normal activities swiftly. Adhering to the provided pre- and post-surgical instructions can help facilitate a smooth recovery process. Pain management medications, including over-the-counter options, are available to ensure your comfort during this period.
4. How do I prevent wisdom teeth impaction?
Regular dental visits for examinations, imaging, and cleanings every six months are essential, particularly for teenagers. Timely intervention by an oral surgeon can prevent complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth before they manifest.
5. Other questions?
Our dedicated team is here to address any concerns you may have. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker or Dr. Jepsen at our convenient locations in Pocatello and Blackfoot. Their expertise in wisdom teeth extraction ensures personalized care for patients of all ages. For those feeling anxious about the procedure, reading personal stories from our patients may provide reassurance.
Southeastern Idaho’s Premier Oral Surgery Destination
When you visit Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho, you’ll access quality oral health care delivered with compassion and respect. We adhere to the highest standards of care and prioritize your well-being. By leveraging decades of experience and advanced technology, we provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to address your unique needs. Discover premier oral surgery services by scheduling a consultation at our practice. We can’t wait to be a partner in your journey to better oral health.