The last teeth to develop are located the furthest back in your mouth, consisting of a third set of molars– two on your top arch, and two on your bottom arch. Most people will have four wisdom teeth, although some may have less. Some people have no wisdom teeth at all, in fact; this is why wisdom tooth removal is a unique process for each individual. Our experienced doctors at our London and Lexington offices will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best and most comfortable result.

Because most people have four wisdom teeth, and the nature of these back molars often makes removal more complex, wisdom tooth extraction tends to be a more involved procedure than standard tooth extractions. For instance, the presence of impacted or otherwise difficult-to-extract wisdom teeth typically requires surgical extraction with general anesthesia.

It’s important that you follow all your doctor’s instructions before, during, and after the day of your procedure to ensure the best results. The surgery itself can range in length from thirty to ninety minutes, although every case is different. When general anesthesia is being used, you will need to fast for at least six hours leading up to your procedure, and you will need someone to accompany you to the office and provide transportation afterwards.

Oral care following wisdom tooth removal involves a regime of saltwater rinses, a careful diet, and any medications your doctor has prescribed for use to alleviate pain or prevent infection. Be sure not to engage in excessive physical activity in the days following your surgery, and avoid using straws so as not to dislodge any blood clots, which can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. You will be given clear and detailed instructions on postoperative care before surgery, and in the hours immediately following the procedure you’ll be provided with gauze to bite down on in order to stop any bleeding and promote healing.

Because we remove wisdom teeth only when it’s necessary for the patient’s oral health, most health and/or dental insurance plans cover all or part of the procedure. How much of the cost is covered by your insurance varies, however– but at Jenkins, Morrow, & Gayheart, our friendly team will help you make sure you understand what benefits you are entitled to, and what your overall costs will be. We’re committed to making oral surgery as affordable and seamless as possible for you. We’ll work with you to establish a payment plan that suits your needs, no matter your insurance coverage.

The amount of discomfort experienced following a wisdom tooth removal procedure can vary greatly depending on the nature of the surgery. During the procedure, you will most likely be placed under general anesthesia and remain unconscious for the entirety of the process. This means you won’t feel anything while surgery is underway– although after you wake up, the recovery process can involve some amount of pain.

The best way to mitigate this pain is via properly postoperative care and OTC or prescribed pain medications. The first day following surgery is typically when your mouth is the most sore, and it’s important in the early stages of recovery to get plenty of rest and not to dislodge blood clots in the extraction sites. Following your doctors’ instructions will help prevent further discomfort, injury, or infection. If you experience extreme discomfort, unusual occurrences, or have any questions following your surgery, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.