Wisdom Teeth Removal • Minot

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted wisdom teeth. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.

You will to schedule a consult with Dr. Weisner to assess current conditions and discuss a treatment plan.


Illustration and X-Ray Showing Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth impacted in jaw: Patient x-ray on the left and illustration on the right

Types Of Impactions

We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.

  • Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
  • Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
  • Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Jaw illustration: Impacted lower Wisdom Teeth affecting the soft tissueSoft Tissue
Jaw illustration: Partial Bony Impaction by lower Wisdom ToothPartial Bony
Jaw illustration: Complete Bony Impaction by lower Wisdom ToothComplete Bony

Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Weisner can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first 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. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

Illustration: A pericoronitis infection on a wisdom tooth in the lower jaw

Infection:

The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

Illustration: A cyst formation on a lower wisdom tooth

Cyst Formation:

Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

Illustration: Teeth crowding caused by a wisdom tooth in the lower jaw

Possible Crowding:

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the dentist, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Illustration: Lower wisdom tooth damaging the root and tooth next to it

Damage to Adjacent Teeth:

If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.

What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.

What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?

Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.

On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

Photo: A happy and smiling teenage son with his mother

The Day of Treatment

Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.

If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.

We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by dental benefits?

The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the dentist will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every dental benefit company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure.

What if I have questions before surgery?

At the time of your consultation with Dr. Weisner, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Minot Dental Partners Phone Number (701) 839-1705 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.

Photo: A confident, smiling woman in a park

The Day of Treatment

Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.

Patient Reviews: Wisdom Teeth Removal

This section is in progress. To leave a review about your experiences with Minot Dental Partners, please visit our Patient Feedback form.

Read Patient Reviews for other dental visits to our practice. Call our Minot office if you would like more information: Minot Dental Partners Phone Number (701) 839-1705.

Minot Dental Partners

5 out of 5 stars based on 18 Wisdom Teeth Removal reviews.

Patient Review by David L

He had a difficult extraction but he made me very comfortable and did a great job

- David L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Beatriz C

I returned to the dental office to have my wisdom teeth removed. It was a quick and smooth procedure. A bone spur appeared two days after surgery, and I am grateful that Dr. Perkins promptly responded with necessary care.

- Beatriz C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Angelica O

They make you feel so comfortable!

- Angelica O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Joan B

Dr. Weisner treats my senior mom with respect, humor and care. I highly recommend him for your dental work. This is hands down the best dental office I have been to.

- Joan B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Billy Q

I left Williston at 1130 in the morning had 4 wisdom teeth pulled and a molar. I was back home in Williston with my meds by 530. So awesome.

- Billy Q

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Andy P

Everyone was very friendly. I was nervous to get my wisdom teeth pulled but the doctor did a great job and had a good sense of humor that helped calm my nerves.

- Andy P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Todd A

Friendly staff, in and out in a timely manner.

- Todd A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Lauren C

I was having pain from an impacted wisdom tooth. I called the office and they were able to get me in the next day. The x-ray showed a much more troubling picture and I ended up having to have, in addition to the wisdom tooth removal, 2 molar extractions and a root canal. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the doctors and the staff! They are amazing! I highly recommend Minot Dental Partners.

- Lauren C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Zaasha Y

I loved Dr. W! He was straight to the point & thorough.. have already recommended a few people for them to see him.. will be back again if I need anything else.

- Zaasha Y

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sharon M

Very friendly and made sure all questions were answered.

- Sharon M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jared B

Overall experience was amazing! Procedure went great considering my tooth was a pain to get out. Got all of my teeth out with no pain at all. Would highly recommend to anyone

- Jared B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Nylenne M

Everyone in the office was friendly, helpful, and informative from the receptionists to the nurse to the dentist. A very great atmosphere for my teenage son to feel comfortable. We both felt very welcome.

- Nylenne M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Cassandra M

LOVE THIS PLACE! The front desk staff are amazing. Always welcoming! I had complications after my wisdom teeth extractions and Dr. Weisner was always available to help. Since then I have gone back to get my teeth whitened and veneers on two teeth. Super impressed! I would recommend!

- Cassandra M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sarah F

Didnt wait for appointment and was able to schedule wisdom teeth removal for the next Friday.

- Sarah F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jason G

Great experience, in and out in less than an hour, never experienced any pain afterwards at all.

- Jason G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jonathan F

I had an excellent experience with Minot Dental Partners. Both my wisdom tooth removal and my scaling procedures were performed with great care and attention to my comfort. I am very satisfied with their work and look forward to my next visit.

- Jonathan F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Dillon K

After having some not so great dentist visits with other dental services I will say this dental office gives some of the best options and dental work I have experienced. The visit was quick and painless. The doctor is very good at what he does and I would go back for more work to be done.

- Dillon K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Marissa A

Wisdom teeth removal is unpleasant but they made the experience as smooth as possible and all the staff is polite and helpful in every interaction.

- Marissa A

5 out of 5 stars on


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