ORAL SURGERY

Extractions (Simple & Surgical)

When people think about getting a “tooth pulled,” it can be dreadful. While people need to get their teeth removed for a variety of reasons, Dr. Shah-Khan performs a great deal of oral surgery and always keeps the patient’s comfort in mind. While some extractions may be simple to complex, you will certainly be at ease. Our space is warm and inviting, operatories are completely private, and comfortable. Our staff will do everything in our power to ensure your satisfaction.

Upon completion of your surgical procedure, you must follow home care instructions to ensure proper healing.

“It’s already out? I didn’t feel a thing! The last oral surgeon I went to was horrible and I was in so much pain, took my gums out right with the tooth. Dr. Shah-Khan you’re amazing!” – K. Dixon

Feel free to peruse our Google reviews to see what patients have to say about their experience at our practice.

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Wisdom teeth

By the age of 18-25, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on top and 16 on bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”

Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future 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 dental surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Shah-Khan has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, a combination of anesthesias, or conscious sedation.

These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home.

Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 219-230-6830 or email us at info@drshahkhan.com.