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Wisdom Teeth Removal

The third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are notorious for causing pain and other oral health problems. Early detection, monitoring, and removal by an oral surgeon will help you avoid the development of complications.

Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients Like You

Learn more about the ease of early wisdom teeth removal by watching the stories below. Our patients can help you understand the treatment experience at our practice.

About Wisdom Teeth Removal in Stephenville, TX

Most people have four wisdom teeth that erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, by the time these teeth are developed and ready to come in, most people do not have enough room to accommodate four extra molars in their mouth. When there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt, they may remain impacted. When left untreated, wisdom teeth commonly cause oral health problems such as overcrowding, infection, pain, cysts, dental shifting, and more. Treating these complications can become costly – not to mention painful!

When wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are removed early, complications can be significantly reduced or even avoided. Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when they are smaller and less developed, which often results in a smoother surgical procedure and a more comfortable recovery.

When is the right time for your child’s wisdom teeth to be evaluated? Learn more by visiting our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ.

At Stephenville Oral Surgery, we provide a large scope of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including wisdom teeth removal. Dr. McPhillips and her experienced care team will ensure your comfort and safety every step of the way. Please contact our office in Stephenville, TX, to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. McPhillips.

We love hearing our patients have had a positive experience at Stephenville Oral Surgery. Listen to their wisdom teeth stories.

Why should wisdom teeth be removed early?

Since most people do not have space for these extra teeth, the likelihood of complications increases when left untreated. Most dental professionals recommend their removal in the early to mid-teen years. Early removal is recommended for a couple of reasons:

Dr. McPhillips performs oral and maxillofacial surgery on patients of all ages. If your child needs their wisdom teeth extracted, rest assured they will receive the best of care at our practice in Stephenville, TX.

Learn more about wisdom teeth removal with our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. McPhillips, contact our office in Stephenville, TX. A member of our care team will be happy to assist you.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost

Dr. McPhillips and her experienced team at Stephenville Oral Surgery care about the oral health of every patient. Our goal is to provide excellent surgery while ensuring your time with us is safe and comfortable. When you come to Stephenville Oral Surgery for wisdom teeth removal or any other procedure, the final cost of your treatment will be as unique as your treatment plan. How many teeth are to be removed, the degree of impaction, type of anesthesia, and insurance coverage will all be considered when determining the total cost.

The oral and maxillofacial surgery services offered at Stephenville Oral Surgery are performed with the highest quality of care and under the experience of our skilled oral surgeon, Dr. McPhillips. To learn more about the payment options we accept, please visit our Financial & Insurance Options page.

The most accurate estimate of your treatment can be provided for you during a consultation appointment with Dr. McPhillips. To schedule your first visit with us, please contact our office.

Investing in Your Oral Health

In addition to becoming impacted, wisdom teeth can commonly cause a host of oral health problems when left untreated, such as periodontal disease with second molars, damage to the adjacent second molars, dental crowding and shifting, infection, pain, predisposition to develop pathology such as cysts/tumors, and more. Treating these complications can require additional procedures that can become costly and living with oral health issues can be painful. Most dental health professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth early to avoid these complications.

For most patients, the early to mid-teen years offer the ideal time for removal because they are not fully developed and have not yet had a chance to cause complications. Because everyone develops at his or her own pace, the right time for your wisdom teeth to be removed will be determined by your dentist and oral surgeon. Regular visits to your dentist can ensure they monitor their growth and development properly and refer to a specialist at the appropriate time.

Stephenville Oral Surgery provides many oral surgery procedures, including wisdom teeth removal. If you or your child have been referred for wisdom teeth removal or any other oral surgery treatment, we hope you will think of us. Dr. McPhillips is an experienced oral surgeon who will listen to you and personally create a treatment plan just for you. Stephenville Oral Surgery accepts many types of payment options to make the cost of oral surgery reasonable. Please contact us to learn more.

Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ

What if my wisdom teeth are impacted?

Any tooth can be susceptible to impaction, but wisdom teeth are especially prone. Impaction occurs when a tooth cannot grow into its correct position in the mouth, usually due to the lack of space. If left untreated, impaction can cause oral health issues such as pain, infection, and dental shifting. You may have problems with an impacted wisdom tooth if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Can I prevent my wisdom teeth from becoming impacted?

Whether a tooth becomes impacted or not is not preventable, but the complications that are caused by impaction may be reduced or even avoided. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups can ensure your oral health stays on track as well as monitor the development of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be able to identify an impacted tooth and refer you to an oral surgeon before your oral health is compromised.

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth extracted?

It is always a good idea to see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and oral exam. Your dentist can safely and effectively monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth, jaws, and bone structure. When the time is right for wisdom teeth removal, or if any other oral surgery procedure may be needed, your dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon.

Please schedule a dental exam as soon as possible if you or your child are experiencing any problems or changes with your oral health in between checkups.

Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?

Like any oral surgery procedure, some discomfort can be expected. To ensure your comfort and safety throughout treatment, Stephenville Oral Surgery offers many options for anesthesia that will be discussed and selected during your consultation. Most wisdom teeth extraction procedures use a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia. Following the surgical extraction of wisdom teeth, many patients can manage their discomfort with over-the-counter medications, but your oral surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to use for the first few days following your procedure.

Are wisdom teeth always extracted?

Most people find that they need their wisdom teeth extracted to preserve their oral health. Untreated wisdom teeth are known for causing infection, pain, impaction, and dental shifting. Your dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth as they develop and will refer to an oral surgeon when and if they need to be removed.

Why do oral surgeons extract wisdom teeth? Why not have my dentist perform this surgery?

Oral surgeons complete years of education and training to become experts of the head, neck, face, jaws, and mouth. They are also highly qualified to safely administer anesthesia. To learn more about oral surgeons and why they are experts in their field, please visit our About Oral Surgery page to learn more.

What is the recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?

Within about four days following their wisdom teeth removal procedure, most patients feel well enough to get back to their normal routines and activities. To ensure you receive the most out of your oral surgery treatment and experience an optimal recovery, please follow the detailed pre- and post-operative instructions provided. To have a more comfortable recovery experience, please visit our About Oral Surgery page to learn how to prepare for your oral surgery procedure.

Other questions?

Stephenville Oral Surgery is dedicated to your oral health and cares about every patient. Please call our office in Stephenville, TX, if you have any questions regarding your treatment.

Thank you for choosing Stephenville Oral Surgery.