Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Washington, DC

Our oral surgical team does everything possible to maintain and save natural teeth. For some patients, however, the best treatment option is to remove an infected, impacted, or damaged tooth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often fall into this category and are an oral health concern for many of our patients. Located in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth often lack the space needed to erupt properly. Leaving impacted or infected wisdom teeth in the mouth may lead to a range of other oral problems, including gum disease, damage to nearby teeth, and cysts in the jaw, among additional concerns.

Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Edward Delgado and Dr. Michael Kuzmik are proud to offer wisdom teeth extractions from our comfortable, state-of-the-art surgical suites. We routinely remove wisdom teeth that are impacted, partially impacted, infected, decayed, or otherwise unable to support normal oral function and health. Dr. Delgado and Dr. Kuzmik are also board certified in dental anesthesia and offer a range of sedation dentistry options to keep even the most anxious patients comfortable and relaxed when undergoing wisdom teeth extractions. To schedule a consultation for wisdom teeth or surgical extractions, contact one of our Virginia practices today.

Our surgeons may recommend extractions if you or your family members have wisdom teeth that are impacted (trapped in the gum or bone), unable to fully erupt, or otherwise negatively impacting your oral health. In many cases, the wisdom teeth begin the eruption process in patients between the ages of 15 and 25. Impacted or damaged teeth may result in oral or facial swelling and pain and could be impinging upon neighboring teeth. To minimize these oral health risks, it is important to have such wisdom teeth removed when recommended to keep your jawbone, gums, oral health, and smile in a healthy condition. We use advanced digital x-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth in your jaw and plan for your extraction procedure.

Our experienced, compassionate surgical team is committed to making your wisdom teeth extraction procedure as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We perform these surgical extraction procedures in our private treatment suites using IV conscious sedation, oral sedation, or nitrous oxide sedation. When your sedation has taken effect, Dr. Delgado or Dr. Kuzmik will begin your procedure by making an incision in your gum tissues to access your wisdom tooth. In most cases, our doctors must section to the tooth to remove it in the least invasive way possible. Our doctors have over 30 years of surgical experience in wisdom teeth extraction procedures and take special precautions to preserve surrounding healthy tissues. Once your teeth are removed, we will suture the treatment sites and rinse the area. Instructions on how to care for your mouth following your procedure and during the recovery phase will be provided to you or your companion.

Many of our patients receive oral or IV sedation for their wisdom teeth extractions. If you or a family member receives one of these sedation options, an adult companion must drive you home following the procedure. After any type of extraction, you should avoid smoking, spitting, and using straws during the healing phase. It is also recommended that during the recovery phase, you eat a soft-food diet and avoid consuming foods and drinks that are hot or warm in temperature. Doing so could loosen the clot your body naturally forms in the extraction site and lead to further complications.

We will provide instructions on how to best care for your teeth and gums while your extraction sites heal. Our doctors may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or write a prescription for pain medication depending on your specific needs. Along with a follow-up appointment at our practice to check your healing, Dr. Delgado and Dr. Kuzmik recommend that you keep regular appointments with your general dentist for routine cleanings and exams.

Depending on your insurance provider and plan, wisdom teeth extractions and sedation options may be a covered or partially covered benefit. Prior to your extraction procedure, we will review your insurance benefits and determine your coverage amounts. If you do not have dental insurance or your procedure and sedation are not fully covered, our team will let you know of our convenient payment options. We also accept third-party patient financing through CareCredit® to help you get the care you need for your family’s oral health.

Impacted or damaged wisdom teeth are a common occurrence among many patients. Our skilled oral surgeons are pleased to be the team many referring dentists and patients trust for experienced surgical extraction care and sedation dentistry options. Keep your family’s smiles healthy and comfortable with wisdom teeth extractions from Dr. Delgado and Dr. Kuzmik. To reserve a treatment consultation for yourself or a loved one, contact one of our Virginia oral surgery practices today.