Oral Surgeon in Lewiston, ID

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often emerge during the late teens or early twenties. Because there’s typically not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them, they may become impacted—stuck beneath the gums or growing at an angle. This can lead to pain, infection, and crowding of other teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure that helps prevent these complications. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and most patients recover within a few days.

Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. The procedure involves surgically placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, creating a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and help preserve jawbone health and facial structure. They’re a reliable option for restoring your smile and improving chewing function.

A tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling or crown. Other reasons include severe infection, trauma, or overcrowding—especially before orthodontic treatment. The procedure involves numbing the area, gently loosening the tooth, and removing it from the socket. In some cases, stitches may be needed to help with healing. After extraction, we’ll discuss options for replacing the tooth if needed, such as bridges, dentures, or implants.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed between the ages of 17 and 25, when they begin to emerge and may cause problems such as pain, crowding, or impaction. Dentists often recommend early removal to prevent complications like infection, cysts, or damage to surrounding teeth. Younger patients tend to heal faster and experience fewer risks during extraction. However, the right age for removal varies based on individual dental development. Regular check-ups and X-rays can help determine the best time for extraction. If wisdom teeth cause discomfort or alignment issues, consult a dentist to discuss the ideal timing for removal.

After your wisdom tooth is out, your dentist may pack the area with gauze for a short while to help stop any bleeding and your mouth may be numb for several hours after while the anesthetic wears off. Any bleeding should have completely stopped within 24 hours, but if it hasn’t, you should seek guidance from your dentist. You may be asked to refrain from smoking, eating anything too chewy or tough and from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours to give the wound time to heal. You should also avoid lying flat and doing any physical exercise since this may prolong any bleeding. Your dentist may suggest an anti-inflammatory analgesic since your mouth could be swollen for several days after the surgery. However, within a week you can expect your face to have completely returned to normal. Around a week after the procedure, you can expect to make a follow-up visit to your dentist so that he/she can remove any stitches and check that the gum has healed successfully.