By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the 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.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing problematic wisdom teeth offers more than just pain relief. When these third molars cause crowding, they can shift your other teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work or creating new bite issues. Extraction eliminates this pressure and preserves the positioning of your healthy teeth.
Wisdom tooth removal also protects your neighboring molars from damage. According to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, wisdom teeth located far in the back of your mouth are particularly prone to cavities because they are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss (Rutgers Health, 2020). When decay develops in a wisdom tooth, it can easily spread to the adjacent second molar, putting two teeth at risk instead of one. Removing the wisdom tooth eliminates this vulnerability and makes your daily oral hygiene routine more effective.
For adult and pediatric patients with impacted wisdom teeth, extraction prevents the development of cysts or tumors that can form around the trapped tooth. These growths, while rare, can damage your jawbone and surrounding structures if left untreated. Addressing impacted wisdom teeth early, before complications develop, typically results in easier surgery and faster recovery compared to waiting until problems become severe.
Our comprehensive oral surgery procedures at Goodove Oral Surgery help you navigate wisdom tooth concerns with the care and attention you deserve. We understand wisdom tooth problems can disrupt your daily life, which is why our experienced Virginia Beach oral surgeons take the time to evaluate your unique situation and clearly explain your options, ensuring you feel confident about your treatment decisions.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Attention
Wisdom tooth problems often develop gradually, making early detection important for preventing complications. Pain in the back of your mouth frequently signals wisdom tooth issues, though symptoms vary widely among patients. Swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, and tender gums around the back teeth often indicate problems that require professional evaluation. Research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reveals that nearly 88% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth that needs professional attention.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Several warning signs suggest your wisdom teeth may need professional attention, including:
- Pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth
- Swelling around the jaw or gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Bleeding gums near the back teeth
- Headaches or jaw pain
- Food getting trapped behind your back teeth
These symptoms often worsen without proper treatment, making timely evaluation necessary. By recognizing these symptoms early, you can improve your treatment outcomes and reduce your discomfort.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when your third molars cannot fully emerge through the gums due to insufficient space or improper positioning. This condition affects millions of people and requires careful evaluation to determine the best treatment approach for wisdom teeth removal.
Partial Impaction
Partial impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth grows in partially, leaving part of the tooth stuck under the gum. This can allow bacteria to accumulate around the partially emerged tooth, increasing your risk of infection and causing significant discomfort.
Complete Impaction
Complete impaction keeps the wisdom tooth entirely beneath the gum line, potentially causing damage to adjacent teeth. This can also lead to the development of cysts or tumors in severe cases.
Types of Impaction
Wisdom teeth can become impacted in several ways, each presenting unique challenges:
The type of impaction influences treatment complexity and recovery time. Our surgical team uses advanced imaging technology to assess your specific situation and develop the most effective treatment plan for your wisdom teeth removal in Virginia Beach.
- Mesial impactions angle the tooth toward the front of your mouth
- Distal impactions angle the tooth toward the back of the mouth
- Horizontal impactions position the tooth sideways
- Vertical impactions keep the tooth straight but prevent it from fully emerging
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where we examine your mouth and review detailed imaging, including cone beam CT scans, to understand exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned. This technology allows us to see the precise location of your tooth roots in relation to nerves and surrounding structures, helping us plan the safest and most effective approach for your extraction.
On the day of your procedure, our team ensures you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. After administering your chosen sedation, we numb the treatment area with local anesthesia so you feel no pain during the extraction. For wisdom teeth that have fully erupted, removal is relatively straightforward. Impacted teeth require a bit more work, as your surgeon may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue and remove a portion of bone covering the tooth. In some cases, the tooth is divided into sections for easier removal.
The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on how many teeth are being extracted and their complexity. Once your wisdom teeth are removed, we place gauze over the extraction sites to control bleeding and promote clot formation. Before you leave, we provide detailed aftercare instructions and ensure you understand how to manage your recovery at home. If bone grafting is recommended to preserve your jawbone for future dental implants, we can often complete this during the same appointment.
When Bone Grafting May Be Necessary
Some wisdom tooth extractions require additional procedures to maintain jaw structure and prepare for potential future treatments. Bone grafting may be recommended when wisdom tooth removal results in significant bone loss or when surrounding teeth need additional support. This procedure helps preserve bone density and maintain your facial structure.
Bone grafting involves placing bone graft material in the extraction site to promote natural bone regeneration. While not every wisdom tooth extraction requires this additional step, our team evaluates each case individually to determine the best approach for your long-term oral health.
Your Comfort Options During Wisdom Tooth Removal
Understanding your sedation options can help ease any anxiety about your upcoming procedure. At Goodove Oral Surgery, we believe you deserve to feel completely comfortable, which is why we offer several sedation options tailored to your needs and preferences.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia involves numbing medication injected directly into the treatment area. You remain fully awake and aware during the procedure but feel no pain, only mild pressure. This option works well for straightforward extractions and allows you to drive yourself home afterward.
Nitrous Oxide
Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide helps you relax while remaining conscious throughout your procedure. Administered through a comfortable mask, this tasteless gas creates a calm, at-ease feeling. The effects wear off quickly, making it a popular choice for patients who want minimal recovery time.
IV Sedation
IV sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream, creating a deeper state of relaxation. Most patients report feeling drowsy and have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This option is ideal for more complex extractions or patients who experience significant dental anxiety. You will need someone to drive you home following your appointment.
General Anesthesia
For extensive procedures or patients with special medical needs, general anesthesia renders you completely unconscious. Our doctors have operating privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters for patients requiring this level of care.
Managing Discomfort After Your Procedure
Many patients worry about pain following wisdom tooth removal, but modern techniques and medications make the experience quite manageable. Your oral surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions and may prescribe pain medication for the first few days.
Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen often provide effective relief, and combining it with acetaminophen can enhance the results. Applying ice packs during the first 48 hours helps control swelling, while warm compresses after day three can ease any lingering jaw stiffness. Following your post-operative instructions closely, including dietary restrictions and oral hygiene guidelines, plays the biggest role in ensuring a comfortable recovery.
If you experience severe pain that worsens after day three, persistent bleeding, fever, or difficulty swallowing, contact our office immediately. These symptoms could indicate complications like dry socket or infection that require prompt attention.
How Much Will It Cost to Have a Wisdom Tooth Removed?
We understand that cost is an important consideration when planning any medical procedure. The price of wisdom tooth removal varies based on several factors, including how many teeth need extraction, whether they are impacted, the type of anesthesia you choose, and the complexity of your individual case. During your consultation, we provide a detailed estimate so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits for covered procedures. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, and Principal, along with VA Community Care referrals through Logistic Health. Our team verifies your coverage and explains your out-of-pocket costs upfront, eliminating surprises on the day of your procedure.
For patients without insurance or those seeking additional payment flexibility, we offer financing options through CareCredit. We believe cost should never prevent you from getting the care you need, and our staff is happy to discuss all available options during your first visit. If you have questions about pricing or want to verify your insurance coverage, simply give us a call at our Virginia Beach office at (757) 412-2002 or our Chesapeake office at (757) 819-7002.
Why Choose Goodove Oral Surgery for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
When it comes to oral surgery, you deserve a team that combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion. Dr. Scott Goodove and Dr. Peter Zagursky have built their practice on a simple philosophy: treat every patient like family. As your hometown oral surgeons, they have chosen to remain independent while other practices went corporate, ensuring that your care never gets lost in bureaucratic red tape or driven by metrics rather than your wellbeing.
What truly sets us apart is accessibility. When you have questions or concerns, you speak directly with our doctors, not a corporate call center. Our highly trained surgical staff, all CPR certified, takes the extra step to create a genuinely caring environment. Whether you need a friendly hand to hold, a warm blanket during your procedure, or simply want to listen to your favorite music, we accommodate your comfort needs. Patients who arrive nervous often leave surprised at how smoothly everything went, and that transformation is our greatest reward.
We proudly serve patients throughout Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, the Eastern Shore, and beyond. Our doctors maintain hospital privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters for patients requiring specialized care. With a strong military presence in our practice, including Dr. Zagursky’s Army service, we also maintain a close relationship with the Hampton VA and welcome veterans with open arms.
Ready to discuss your wisdom teeth? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Trust Your Hometown Oral Surgery Team at Goodove Oral Surgery
Your wisdom tooth concerns deserve the attention of experienced professionals who understand both the technical aspects of oral surgery and the importance of compassionate patient care. At Goodove Oral Surgery, we combine advanced surgical techniques with personalized attention, ensuring you receive quality treatment in a comfortable environment. Our doctors maintain operating privileges at several local hospitals, including Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, providing you with comprehensive care options.
As your hometown oral surgery practice, we’ve built our reputation on quality patient care and strong relationships with referring dentists throughout the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake communities. Our highly trained surgical staff takes extra steps to ensure your comfort, from providing warm blankets during procedures to accommodating special requests like playing your favorite music. Schedule a consultation with our Virginia Beach location at (757) 412-2002 or contact our Chesapeake office at (757) 819-7002.
