Wisdom Teeth Extractions - Catoosa, OK

Wisdom Teeth Removals in Catoosa, ok

illustrated wisdom tooth in mouth

Relieve Pain and Protect Your Smile with Expert Wisdom Teeth Removal at Dental Arts

Removing wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure and is often done whether or not there are problems with these molars or the other teeth near them.  If you are currently experiencing unusual pain, discomfort or swelling in the area where your wisdom teeth are—or where they will appear—then it is important that you see us at the Dental Arts as soon as possible. That way any problems can be taken care of for you right away.  We’re here to help you and answer all your questions about wisdom teeth removal and the other dental services we provide!

close up of extracted wisdom tooth

What Exactly Are Wisdom Teeth?

“Wisdom teeth” is the name given to the last set of permanent molars that don’t come in until young adulthood for most people.  They usually don’t make their appearance until the late teens and early 20s—perhaps when a person is considered older and “wiser.”

A wisdom tooth is a type of molar and makes up the third set of permanent molars at the back of the mouth. The molars are important for chewing and grinding food as part of the first step in the digestive process. Without molars, our bodies would have a much harder time getting the nutrition we need out of our food!

When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

Not all people grow wisdom teeth, and those that do sometimes only have one or two rather than all four. Some people’s wisdom teeth come in, or “erupt,” through the gums with no apparent problems while others experience different issues requiring their wisdom teeth be extracted.

Some complications calling for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth include:

Tooth Decay
Cysts and Jaw Damage
Crowding of Other Teeth

Wisdom Tooth Removal for Preventative Reasons

Even when wisdom teeth erupt with no apparent issues, you should speak with a dentist and get a thorough examination.  It is possible that issues concerning the alignment of your teeth and bite or the health of your gums could arise in the future.  We want to help you avoid the necessity of emergency dentistry whenever possible; a consultation now could prevent painful complications later.

What Should I Expect in the Wisdom Teeth Removal Process?

patient with having pain with their wisdom tooth
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Simple Extractions:

This is when the tooth has fully or almost fully erupted from the gums.  This often only requires a local anesthetic—an injection to make the area around the tooth numb—and then your dentist uses tools to lift and remove the tooth.

patient under going surgical procedure for wisdom tooth removal
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Surgical Extractions:

This procedure requires surgery because the tooth lies submerged, partially or fully, below the gumline. In this case, your dentist or oral surgeon will need to cut into the gums to expose the tooth and remove it.