Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom TeethWisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure, Details & Costs

River Landing Dentistry has the experience and credentials you’re looking for when seeking wisdom teeth removal.

jonh-hopkins-university-logo
ada-member
agd-member
american-academy-implant-dentistry-logo-1

Table of Contents

Why Choose River Landing Dentistry?Simple Tooth ExtractionsPreventing and Treating Dry SocketRequests & Questions

Dr. Zechmann is certified to provide IV Sedation to her patients. Be relaxed and comfortable throughout your wisdom tooth extraction.

Our dentists have averaged triple the required continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout their careers; the minimum requirements for the state of South Carolina are 28 continuing education credit hours per licensing period!

Serving the Charleston area with locations in Daniel Island and Nexton, South Carolina.

The development of wisdom teeth can be an uncomfortable part of growing up for many patients. In Nexton & Daniel Island, Dr. Rebecca Zechmann and her team offer wisdom tooth removal for patients throughout Charleston and the surrounding communities.

Video 01:51 | With age comes wisdom – and wisdom teeth! Learn more about what to expect when this third set of molars come through in your late teens.

dr-z-headshot

Dr. Rebeca Zechmann

dr-ravi-patel-headshot

Dr. Ravi Patel

dr-stokes-headshot

Dr. Jennifer Stokes

dr-stear-headshot

Dr. Shayla Stear

charleston-choice-dentist-award

Charleston’s Choice Dentists

Schedule Online Now

OR CALL (843) 242-0645 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.

Does every patient have wisdom teeth?

Nearly all patients have wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth of the dental arch. Patients typically have four wisdom teeth, but sometimes, not all of them can be seen in the oral cavity. Although they are expected to emerge at some point during the late teens and early adult years, on some occasions, they don’t have enough space to come out. This means that the patient has the third molars, but they are impacted (trapped) inside the jaw or the gum tissue.

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they are healthy and fully erupted in the correct position. Unfortunately, this is not the norm. Most patients have problems with their third molars and need to have them removed. An impacted tooth can cause many inconveniences, including gums disease and teeth misalignment, so it’s advisable to undergo surgery and get rid of this potential problem.

Video 01:00 | While healthy wisdom teeth are an asset to your mouth, wisdom teeth that don’t fully erupt or that grow in sideways can lead to tooth decay, infection or pain. Discover what your dentist can do to help you decide whether your wisdom teeth should be removed.

What is the extraction procedure for wisdom teeth?

This will depend on whether the molars are impacted or not. If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, the procedure is similar to a standard extraction. On the other hand, if the molars are impacted, their extraction might require a more complex surgical procedure. Our dentist will open up the gum tissue over the teeth and remove any bone that might be covering them. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth are cut into smaller pieces to make them easier to remove. Once the procedure is finished, our dentist closes the wound with stitches and prescribe some painkillers.

What happens when patients don’t have their wisdom teeth removed?

Most problems are associated with impacted wisdom teeth. If they are not removed on time, they stay trapped inside the jawbone, causing damage in adjacent teeth and potentially misaligning the rest of the dental arch. On the other hand, if the molars are only partially erupted, they tend to be in an angle or position that makes the cleaning of the area a bit challenging, resulting in most cases in painful infections.

Schedule Online Now

OR CALL (843) 242-0645 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.

Simple Tooth Extractions

At River Landing Dentistry, extraction procedures are always gentle. We aim to preserve as much bone tissue and surrounding gum as possible. This special care has several advantages: conservative surgical procedures cause less swelling and postoperative discomfort. Apart from that, reducing bone loss to the minimum is vital if the patient is planning to get a dental implant in the near future.

When teeth have multiple tooth roots (molars and premolars), a traditional surgical procedure can cause significant damage to the surrounding bone and gums. These roots are often curved in a way that, during the extraction, they might tear more tissue than a single, straight root. In those cases, our River Landing dentist separates the tooth into smaller sections and proceeds to carefully remove each part, making the surgery much more conservative and gentle to the surrounding tissues.

Preserve Bone During Extraction

The jawbone that supports your teeth needs regular stimulation from biting and chewing pressures to maintain density and volume. When a tooth is missing, the lack of stimulation leads to biological resorption of the bone around the area, which can create a sunken spot on your dental ridge.

It is crucial to preserve bone tissue during extractions. Bone loss can make the placement of dental implants difficult (or even impossible) in the near future. Dentists need a certain amount of bone tissue to place the implant successfully and ensure long-term results. Moreover, bone loss can also be a problem even if the patient decides to replace the missing tooth with a dental bridge. As a result of the progressive bone loss, a gap under the bridge can be developed. This gap can accumulate food and put the area at risk of future bacterial infections, compromising oral health and the future of the restoration.

Video 01:00 | If your tooth is badly decayed and can’t be saved, your dentist may recommend a common surgical procedure called a tooth extraction.

Preventing and Treating Dry Socket

Video 01:00 | Even with regular brushing and flossing you may need to have a tooth pulled and occasionally when a tooth is removed, dry socket may occur. Dry Socket results from the lost of the bloodclot from the extraction site. If you have dry socket, your dentist will recommend various treatments to promote healing and ease discomfort. Hear more about the causes of dry socket and prevent measures you can take to have a healthy and beautiful smile.

Schedule Online Now

OR CALL (843) 242-0645 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.

Requests and Questions:
(843) 242-0645 Reach out to us using this simple & secure form.

Preferred Location? Daniel IslandNexton

Text Message OK? YesNo



River Landing Dentistry map

Connect With Us

We look forward to meeting you.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Call or text: (843) 242-0645