Wisdom Teeth

Oral Surgery Layton & Bountiful UT

The average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the upper and 16 teeth on the lower. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

Unfortunately, most adults do not have adequate space for wisdom teeth to erupt into position and function as the other 28 teeth do.

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth
• Oral Examination
• Wisdom Tooth Removal

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, jaw pain and stiffness, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

At the time of consultation, your medical and dental history will be reviewed along with x-rays of the mouth; Dr. DeDecker can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if there are current or if there may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients should be evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. DeDecker has the training, license and experience to provide various options for anesthesia.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Our patients have the option of having their wisdom teeth extracted under local anesthesia, or using IV conscious sedation. These options, as well as any surgical risks and preoperative and postoperative care instructions, will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding, the extraction site is packed with gauze. You will rest under our supervision in the office until the bleeding is controlled and you are able to walk out on your own. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include:

• Postoperative instructions.
• A refillable ice bag,
• A prescription for pain medication.
• A follow-up appointment with in one week to check healing.

If you have any questions before your scheduled follow up appointment, please do not hesitate to call.

Layton Office: LAYTON OFFICE Phone Number 801-773-9790
Bountiful Office: BOUNTIFUL OFFICE Phone Number 801-298-2242

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.