Oral surgery
Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth. Dr. Nair removes them for teenagers and adults when they are stuck under the gum, decayed, crowding other teeth or causing trouble, or when a dentist asks her to.
What happens
Usually one visit for the consultation and one for the removal.
- 01
Step 1: Consultation and X-ray
Dr. Nair looks at where each tooth sits and tells you which ones she'd take out and why.
- 02
Step 2: Your comfort level
You choose between a local anesthetic alone and sedation, and we set the day up for it.
- 03
Step 3: Removal
You feel pressure and pushing, not sharp pain, and Dr. Nair tells you what she is doing as she goes.
- 04
Step 4: Recovery at home
Rest, soft food and the aftercare sheet. We call the next day.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
A local anesthetic numbs the area. With sedation, the levels, who gives it and how you are watched are on the sedation page. Raise a hand and we stop.
If you wait
Teeth that are stuck can grow an infection or damage the tooth beside them. If yours aren't causing trouble, Dr. Nair will say so, and some people leave them alone and have them checked.
Risks and aftercare
Swelling, soreness and bruising last several days. A dry socket, where the healing clot is lost, can cause pain after a few days. Less often there is infection, or numbness in the lip or tongue that usually passes. Call us for a fever, swelling that grows or bleeding that won't stop.
How it's billed
Wisdom teeth are billed to dental plans, medical plans or both, depending on the plan. You get the estimate in writing before the day.
How fees work
Questions about wisdom teeth
Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?
No. Teeth that are healthy and fully through can stay, and Dr. Nair says so when that's the case.
What can I eat afterward?
Soft, cool food once the numbness wears off. Your written instructions list what to avoid.
Who drives me home?
With sedation, an adult drives you and stays with you for the first hours. Without it, you may be able to drive, and we tell you before the day.
When can I go back to school or work?
Many people rest for a few days. Dr. Nair gives you her advice for your visit.
Provided by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Dr. Usha Nair, DDS. Residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery; American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Licensed in Wyoming.