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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Learn About Third Molars and Having Them Removed

During the late teens or early twenties, many people develop an extra set of molars called wisdom teeth. These teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth of permanent teeth. However, the average mouth does not have room for an extra set of molars. Many dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth extracted because they can negatively affect your oral health.

Our oral surgeons, Dr. Christopher Galea and Dr. Broc Hammon, extract wisdom teeth in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. We offer many types of anesthesia and sedation and keep you informed about your treatment every step of the way. To schedule a consultation regarding wisdom teeth removal, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today!

Why Should I Go to an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage wisdom teeth and other conditions that affect the head, neck, mouth, and jaws. A general dentist is often the first dental professional to identify the presence of wisdom teeth through X-rays at checkup appointments. Once wisdom teeth are detected, the dentist will refer patients to an oral surgeon for further diagnosing and extraction. Oral surgeons undergo many additional years of training after dental school. During this time, they learn how to administer anesthesia, which is used for wisdom teeth removal in most cases.

All oral surgeons are dentists, but not all dentists are oral surgeons. Some dentists perform simple tooth extractions using local anesthesia, but oral surgeons are the most qualified dental experts to perform both simple and complex oral or facial surgical procedures. Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon are highly skilled oral surgeons who manage wisdom teeth cases at our Reno and Sparks, NV, offices. If you would like an evaluation or have been referred by your dentist to see an oral surgeon, we invite you to contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today.

Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Because there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth, they can negatively affect your oral health. Wisdom teeth are large and unpredictable. They can push against adjacent molars, causing damage and knocking other teeth out of alignment. Wisdom teeth may become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums. Partially impacted wisdom teeth easily trap food and bacteria because they have not fully emerged through the gums and are difficult to clean. Fully impacted wisdom teeth are below the gums completely and develop at an angle, posing a greater threat to nearby molars.

Having wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon prevents these health problems and more from having the chance to occur. At Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we make the wisdom tooth extraction process easy and comfortable for every patient and their families.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Reno and Sparks, NV

We perform wisdom teeth removal at both of our offices in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. If it’s time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth evaluated or extracted, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled oral surgeons.

Types of Anesthesia

There are three main types of anesthesia that we use at our practice:

Hear From What Are Wisdom Teeth? Patients

These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing what are wisdom teeth? at our office.

Reviews From Our What Are Wisdom Teeth? Patients

Emilia Reviews Her What Are Wisdom Teeth? Procedure

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Emilia had her wisdom teeth removed in Sparks, Nevada
Emilia
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient

"Hi, my name is Emilia. I'm from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked in the staff made me feel very comfortable. They kept me informed and it kept my mind at ease. Dr. Galea explained everything to me and made me feel very comfortable. It was a very easy surgery and recovery, which just made it a lot easier for me. My overall experience here was really positive. I'm so glad I chose Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth done. To my friends and family in Reno, who need their wisdom teeth removed, I recommend Northern Nevada Oral Surgery. "

Josh Reviews His What Are Wisdom Teeth? Procedure

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Josh had his wisdom teeth removed in Sparks, Nevada
Josh
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient

"Hi! My name's Josh and I'm from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. Walking through the doors it was a very pleasant environment. Dr. Galea was really nice to me. He constantly asked me if I was doing okay, if I was comfortable, how I was feeling, and it made me feel a lot better and more comfortable. The staff here were very personable. They took the time to get to know me, and it put me at ease. The surgery was a success and the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. If you live in Spanish Springs or live in Lemon Valley, and if you need oral surgery, I definitely recommend Dr. Galea. The quality here is amazing. "

Anna Reviews Her What Are Wisdom Teeth? Procedure

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Anna WT facewall
Anna
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient

"Hi, my name is Anna, and I'm from Reno. And I came to Northern Nevada Oral Maxillofacial Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked into this practice, I felt welcomed and very comfortable. The staff here were helpful, wonderful, and really great. My doctor was attentive, professional, and had a good sense of humor. My recovery was speedy and easy. My overall experience with Northern Nevada Oral Maxillofacial Surgery was amazing. To all my friends and family in Sparks, Lemon Valley, and Mogul, I highly recommend Northern Nevada Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. It feels great to have a beautiful, healthy smile."

Ivete Reviews Her What Are Wisdom Teeth? Procedure

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Ivette WT facewall
Ivete
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient

"Hi, I am Ivete from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to get my wisdom teeth out. I felt super comfortable walking into the office. The staff was really friendly and professional. My doctor made me feel really safe. He answered all my questions, assured me that everything would be just fine. My procedure went really well. It went by super quick. Next thing I knew, everything was done and over with, and I was ready to go home. My overall experience with this practice was fantastic. I would give Northern Nevada Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery five stars. I'm just really happy to have a healthy smile."

Jacob Reviews His What Are Wisdom Teeth? Procedure

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Jacob WT facewall
Jacob
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient

"Hi, I'm Jacob from Reno and I got my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Galea. When I first walked in—staff was bright and cheerful and I felt like I was in good hands. Dr. Galea was a great doctor. He walked me through everything and the procedure was very well done. Within a few days I was feeling fine and it was back to normal. It's a lot nicer now that I can smile more and be more confident in the things I do from day to day. My overall experience here was amazing. I would highly recommend Dr. Galea to anyone who needs their wisdom teeth taken out."

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