Wisdom Teeth Removal | Leominster & Gardner MA

Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Colarusso, Dr. Baran and Dr. Kobakov can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

A representation of a pericoronitis infection on a wisdom tooth

Infection:

The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

An example of a cyst formation on a wisdom tooth

Cyst Formation:

Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

An illustration of teeth crowding caused by a wisdom tooth

Possible Crowding:

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

A visual of a wisdom tooth damaging an adjacent tooth

Damage to Adjacent Teeth:

If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.

What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.

What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?

Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.

On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

smiling teenage son with his mother

The Day of Treatment

Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.

If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.

We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?

The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.

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What if I have questions before surgery?

At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Leominster Office Phone Number (978) 534-8300 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.

A smiling woman

The Day of Treatment

Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.

Central Mass Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 123 Wisdom Teeth reviews

Patient Review by Cindy A

My daughter has severe anxiety at the dentist & every person at your office was understanding & empathetic.

- Cindy A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Cassidy H

Blown away by the cleanliness of the facility and the courtesy/friendliness shown by the staff! I am very glad I chose CMOS to perform my upcoming surgery!

- Cassidy H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Alyssa M

This was our first time here, had an appt for my son about his wisdom teeth. First of all the place is HUGE! Inside is so nice and clean, the waiting room is elegant like no other office I have ever been to. The lady at the front desk is SO nice, as well as the nurse, and Dr. They made my son feel comfortable and explained everything to him and I both. My youngest son came with us and the Dr made sure to get him a little goodie bag. Super nice. The whole experience was A++. If you are thinking about make an appt here don't hesitate!

- Alyssa M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Savannah L

Went in with my daughter for a consult regarding her wisdom teeth. Front desk was very pleasant and polite. There was a short wait of approx 10 min, but nothing unexpected. The assistant took us in and was very friendly. The Dr came in the room within a minute and made my daughter feel comfortable right away with his joking demeanor. Dr Baran and his assistant were both very informative with our questions and thorough when explaining the next steps she should take. I will be scheduling her procedure soon and I'm sure she'll get the same great service.

- Savannah L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Barbara D

I was surprised how little time the oral surgeon spent with us to explain the surgery. I felt he was so rushed and we were not that important. The staff is great,however.

- Barbara D

3 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Lisa M

Everyone was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks so much for providing excellent customer service.

- Lisa M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Matthew F

My fear of sedation is gone thanks to the staff.

- Matthew F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Amanda C

The nurses were so so so sweet and everyone in that office truly besides the doctor on my procedure. Dr. B or something as of that sorts. My mom had called earlier and I understand if someone is having a bad day but that’s just no excuse. Your profession is to help patients, not to make them feel worthless and as if they are a burden. I don’t know but it just is a 100% not okay. Knowing I had cuts on both wrists, it was just too much for me to bear. As a doctor, you’d expect kindness, understanding, and compassion. I did not receive any of that during my visit today.

- Amanda C

1 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Laurie H

Everything was so organized. Instructions were extremely clear.

- Laurie H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Cindy M

From arrival to depature our consultation was quick and easy. Would definitely recommend them!

- Cindy M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Nicole D

Very friendly and everything was explained in detail

- Nicole D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Amanda S

The staff is very kind and caring

- Amanda S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jayden C

Office was very clean

- Jayden C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ann M

We highly recommend CMOS , Dr. Colarusso and his staff! They are the most talented and caring practice! We are incredibly fortunate to have CMOS in our local area, as they provide the best and most comprehensive oral surgery care!

- Ann M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jacquelyn H

The staff at Central Mass Oral Surgery were very professional and welcoming. They answered all of my questions and addressed concerns that I had about the procedure. I was extremely comfortable when I left the practice and felt reassured about my daughter’s procedure. I would highly recommend this practice!!

- Jacquelyn H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kim B

It was our first time at the Gardner office. Everyone in the office was very friendly and welcoming. Dr. Colarusso and his team took great care of my daughter during her wisdom teeth removal. Would highly recommend them to anyone needing oral care.

- Kim B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Bradly P

Great service and very friendly staff

- Bradly P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by John P

Very pricy for something that took less than 45 minutes!

- John P

4 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Melanie C

Definitely felt less nervous after the consultation and the procedure it’s self was in and out. Excellent service provided.

- Melanie C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Alison G

Very caring staff took great care during all aspects of the wisdom teeth extraction

- Alison G

5 out of 5 stars on