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
Gabby
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient
"Hi, I'm Gabby from Reno, and I had my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Galea. My first experience when I walked into this great office was just that the staff was very friendly, very welcoming. The doctor was very caring, very polite, and he was very professional. My procedure went very well and the recovery was great. I definitely recommend Dr. Galea and his amazing team. Because of him, I was able to keep my great smile."
Drew
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient
"Hi, my name is Drew, I’m from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. I would describe this practice as welcoming, positive, uplifting. Dr. Galea made me feel comforted and at ease when I came in. He asked about my life and tries to get to know me better, so I appreciate that a lot. The procedure was super successful and the recovery was short due to the great work that Dr. Galea and his staff did. They made the process of getting my wisdom teeth removed easier than I could have ever imagined. If you live in Spanish Springs and Lemmon Valley and need oral surgery, I recommend Dr. Galea. "
Gianna
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Patient
"Hi, I'm Gianna. I'm from Reno, and I had my wisdom teeth taken out. When I first came here and met the staff, everybody was very warm and welcoming, and it made me excited to be here. Dr. Galea, as a person, is very friendly. He's very nice, answered all my questions, and was easy to reach if I had any questions. The procedure went very well, and the recovery was very simple and easy. My overall experience with this practice was amazing. To all my family and friends in Spanish Springs, I highly recommend Northern Nevada Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery."
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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