Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come in. Dr. Cartwright removes them when they are impacted, infected, decayed or crowding, or when your dentist asks her to. This page is for teenagers and adults. It makes no promise about how any one person recovers.
What happens
Usually one visit for the surgery, after a consultation.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and X-ray
A panoramic X-ray or a 3D scan shows where the roots and nerves sit. Dr. Cartwright shows you the picture and explains what she sees.
- 02
Step 2: Your options and the plan
You hear whether the teeth need to come out now, what else is possible, the sedation levels that fit and the fee in writing.
- 03
Step 3: The removal
Usually one visit, often with all four teeth taken out together if that is the plan. The length depends on the teeth.
- 04
Step 4: Recovery
You rest at the office until we say you're ready, then go home with written instructions and our number.
If a case is complex, Dr. Cartwright will say so and tell you where it is best done.
Planning
The picture comes first
Before any plan, there is an X-ray or a scan. It shows how the teeth sit, how close they are to nerves and to the sinus, and what could make the surgery harder. Your dentist can send the images you already have so you aren't exposed twice.
A panoramic X-ray or a 3D scan
Images from your dentist, if recent
The plan in writing, with options
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
The area is numbed first. You may also choose nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation or general anesthesia. Each has a different person responsible and a different way of watching you. Dr. Cartwright recommends one, and the choice is yours.
Sedation levelsIf you wait
Teeth that stay impacted can lead to infection, swelling and damage to the tooth beside them. Some can be watched with regular X-rays instead. Dr. Cartwright will say which she thinks yours is, and why.
Risks and after-care
Swelling, soreness and some bleeding are expected for a few days. A dry socket, where the healing clot is lost, can cause pain after a few days; call us if it does. Numbness in the lip or tongue is uncommon and usually passes, and she goes through it before you decide. Call for a fever, swelling that grows or bleeding that won't stop.
How it's billed
The fee is in your written estimate before we schedule, with the surgery and the sedation on separate lines. Some plans cover part of it, and we check before the visit.
How fees work
Questions about wisdom teeth
Do all wisdom teeth have to come out?
No. Some come in straight and can be cleaned, and some are watched. Dr. Cartwright recommends removal when there is a reason, and tells you the reason.
How long is the visit?
Plan on most of a morning or an afternoon, including check-in, the surgery and recovery. We give you the time when we schedule.
When can I eat and go back to work or school?
Soft, cool food once the numbness wears off. We tell you when to return to usual activity, which depends on your recovery and your sedation.
Can my dentist send my X-rays?
Yes. Give us your dentist's name and we ask for them, with your permission.
Provided by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Dr. Delores Cartwright, DDS, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, licensed in Missouri.