Wisdom Teeth Removal Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that involves the removal of a person’s final set of molars, which typically emerge around the ages of 16 to 20. Though not always the case for every patient, there is a strong possibility that wisdom teeth will grow at an angle that results in crowding of the mouth, or the wisdom teeth will never fully emerge, which can lead to other oral health issues, including the following:
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth can reduce the amount of room accessible to be cleaned, which can result in surrounding teeth developing gum disease, which can result in decay and eventual bone loss.
- Cyst Formation: Cysts can form and begin expanding inside the jawbone if a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. It is believed that in some cases, failure to remove wisdom teeth has resulted in patients developing tumors.
- Infection: The most common result of wisdom teeth not being removed is an infection developing. Because there is not sufficient room for the teeth to erupt, surrounding tissue becomes irritated and an infection can develop which will present in symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, and/or pain.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Removal Expectations
If it has been determined that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment. Prior to your wisdom teeth being removed, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic along with (typically) dental sedation, which will be selected based on your comfort level. Sedation options include oral medication taken beforehand, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation.
Once you are properly numbed and/or sedated, the gum tissue that is covering the area of your wisdom teeth will be removed. If your wisdom teeth have become impacted, it will be necessary to make an incision into the tissue, and then move the tissue away so your periodontist can access the tooth. Once the tooth is accessible, bone that is covering the tooth will be removed using special dental tools. If the tooth has already erupted, your periodontist will begin loosening the connective tissue that is around the tooth. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut the wisdom tooth into sections and remove it in pieces. Once the tooth has been sectioned or sufficiently loosed, it will be removed, after which the extraction area will be sutured shut so the recovery process can begin.
Procedural Aftercare
Following the removal of your wisdom teeth, you may be prescribed medication for pain relief, especially if the procedure was particularly invasive. In most cases, however, over-the-counter pain relieving medications will be sufficient to mitigate post-procedural discomfort. It is also common to experience mild bleeding and swelling following the removal of your wisdom teeth. Placing an ice pack on the swollen area will typically help alleviate this issue within the first few days. By the third day of healing, you may notice that your jaw is stiff and opening your mouth is somewhat difficult. Applying moist heat will help your muscles relax and make it easier to open your mouth wider.
It is also a good idea to stick to a clear liquid diet immediately following wisdom teeth removal, but you should avoid consuming dairy products such as milkshakes, ice cream, or yogurt the day of surgery, as patients can sometimes experience nausea in combination with pain medication and anesthetic. It is also a good idea to limit physical and social activities for the first three to five days following the procedure. If you follow these guidelines along with post-operative instructions provided to you, you should be back to normal within one week.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
The cost of removing wisdom teeth will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, the difficulty involved in removing your teeth, how many wisdom teeth are removed, and what type of dental sedation was used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for a tooth extraction, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!