Wisdom Teeth
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.”
Why 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 rarely happens. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are unable to properly erupt 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.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays or a CT scan of the mouth, Dr. Heggland can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and identify any problems already present, or predict likely 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 dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Heggland has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under general anesthesia supplemented by local anesthesia, with some cases suitable for treatment with only laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) and local anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., possible sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. 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, and any other necessary medications, and a follow-up appointment in one week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Frisco Office Phone Number (970) 668-1314 or Frisco Office Phone Number (970) 668-1314.
Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Our caring and dedicated staff can't wait to hear from you!
Northwest OMS
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for great friendly service- we had no issues except I would Prefer smiling faces over masks but soon come:)
- Judi L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so helpful. Dr H is out of network but staff was helpful getting our claim submitted. Surgery went flawlessly, and follow up to check on my son regularly was greatly appreciated
- Kallie M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The procedure went accordingly and the aftermath was lessened by the recommendations of recovery
- Willis w
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My son is 15, Dr. Heggland was kind and patient, took his time to explain everything to us , his team is fantastic! I’m incredibly thankful for their service! Great location in Frisco ,CO
- SILVIA D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had gone to Dr. Heggland to get my wisdom teeth out, and let me just say it was such an easy process! Dr. Heggland and his entire staff were the sweetest people ever. They made everything so simple! My surgery and my recovery were smooth sailing. Before getting anesthesia all I remember was thinking how calm and nice Dr Heggland was and how he explained everything he was doing, so it calmed my nerves a lot! As soon as I woke up from surgery I was surprised I was already done, it did not feel like a long time at all, but then again I was knocked out. I woke up a little out of it still, but I remember crying tears of happiness because of how nice the staff was. I would recommend anyone to Dr. Heggland and any of his staff! Thank you so much!
- Raquel P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I just wanted you to know what a great experience my son, Michael had. He was in your office for wisdom teeth extraction at the end of December. The office staff and Dr. Heggland were wonderful! Very patient and explained in detail what would happen that day. Michael had all 4 teeth extracted and was good as new 7-10 days later. Thank you for providing these services to the community. We will make sure to highly recommend your office to others needing dental work.
- Allison W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you to the staff and Dr. Heglund. My procedure was flawless. And I would highly recommend to friends and family.
- Sheryl E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had two wisdom teeth and two adjacent teeth extracted. The procedure was done very professionally, and was almost painless although I chose to have only novocaine used as an anesthetic.
- Carl F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My son had his wisdom teeth extracted. The entire staff is professional. They took awesome care of my son and made sure he was getting the best care. I would recommend OMS to everyone.
- Kerry H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Heggland and his staff are top notch professionals. From the initial consultation to the procedure itself, everything was seemless. After the procedure, which took less than 30 minutes, I took the prescribed ibuprofen and never felt any discomfort whatsoever. I hope I don't have to see Dr. Heggland again but if I do, I wouldn't go anywhere else.
- Chris S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Heggland was great. He did an exam, taking xrays and explained everything to me in detail. i felt very comfortable. During the procedure he explained what was occurring and gave me instructions at the end. Dr. Heggland called to check on me later in the afternoon. Everything went fine. I would recommend Dr. Heggland to everyone.
- Ronnie B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was pleasant overall, and I recovered quickly!
- Grant
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From scheduling to wisdom tooth extration, outstanding!!!!
- Kristian
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly, efficient, and professional service.
- Jeff & Sage
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Blown away by how quick and painless my wisdom tooth extraction was. Extremely likely to promote to others. Office staff was great all around. This was something I was dreading and it was really nothing. Thank you!!!!
- Kristian S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Our appointment was fast, fully explained and easy. I highly recommend Dr. Heggland for any wisdom teeth extraction or any other oral surgery.
- Sophie & Tiffany
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional caring staff
- Dylan L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
i would highly recommend them is a great office friendly staff i was so nervous they were so caring and explained me everything i did not felt anything. they make me feel like at home.
- adriana martinez m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Well executed Fast - efficient - and wonderful from start to finish
- Logan & Ellie
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I felt informed and confident in Parker's procedure. I loved the follow-up phone call from the doctor-not everyone does that!! Great experience (but I wasn't the one having my wisdom teeth extracted 🙂 )
- Cara & Parker