Wisdom Teeth Removal
Comfortable Third Molar Extractions
Dr. McLean offers wisdom teeth or third molar extractions for patients in La Grande, OR, and the surrounding areas. Third molars are an additional set of teeth that grow under the surface of the gums and, in many cases, are undetectable without proper X-ray evaluation. It is not uncommon for teens and adults to be unaware that they exist until they begin to present significant problems.
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Dentists like Dr. McLean have undergone extensive training to safely and effectively remove wisdom teeth. If it’s time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth evaluated by a professional, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. No referral necessary.
Why Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The average human mouth does not have room to fit an extra set of molars, which causes wisdom teeth to try and make room. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has become trapped beneath the gum tissue and is unable to erupt into the dental arch. Whether a patient has impacted, partially grown, or fully grown wisdom teeth, they are at an increased risk for the development of a multitude of oral and dental problems, and these issues may require extensive or costly procedures to correct.
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Impacted wisdom teeth will not erupt on their own and must be surgically removed. Leaving this type of tooth untreated can cause nearby teeth to shift out of place as well as many other health complications, including:
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Bacterial growth, gum disease, and tooth decay
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Misalignment of healthy teeth as the wisdom teeth force dental crowding and shifting throughout the mouth
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Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, pain, and even bad breath caused by periodontal disease
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Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which can cause issues in healthy teeth and the jaw bone
When to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
Maintaining regular dental health checkups with your dentist should help you determine when and if the molars are developing in your mouth. If you currently have third molars in your mouth, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to mitigate the issues listed above and avoid costly orthodontic and surgical treatment that may arise from these problems. Dr. McLean recommends that evaluation for removal occurs as early as possible, usually during the mid to late teens. The removal process is generally much more rapid and presents fewer complications if the molars are removed early because the roots are not fully developed, and younger patients are more likely to recover quickly from surgery.
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Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
If you elect to have your molars removed at our office in La Grande, OR, you will receive a thorough oral examination from Dr. McLean. We may take 3D scans of your mouth and teeth and will discuss your options for sedation during surgery.
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During surgery, Dr. McLean will extract any visible teeth with forceps. He will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose and remove the impacted teeth, then place dissolvable sutures. You will rest in our comfortable recovery area until the sedation wears off, then be driven home by your pre-arranged driver.
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If you have any questions before your procedure, our office staff and skilled surgical team would be happy to help you in any way possible. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease before receiving treatment and that you completely understand the pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure optimal recovery.