Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hiawatha, IA
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and are in the very back of your mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. The problem with wisdom teeth is that they often do not have enough space to erupt into the mouth without causing oral health problems such as impaction, infection, crowding, pain, cysts, and more. Treating these complications is often easier with a younger patient. Because of this, most dental professionals recommend that wisdom teeth are removed early.
Your dentist can monitor your or your child’s wisdom teeth development with regular checkups, and when wisdom teeth removal is recommended, you will be referred to an experienced oral surgery practice such Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The wisdom teeth removal procedure always begins with a consultation appointment. During this appointment, an oral examination will be completed, along with a review of any existing X-rays and 3D scans. If necessary, additional digital imaging will be taken to ensure the most efficient treatment. Your anesthesia options will be reviewed with you at your consultation. The best course will be chosen to maximize your/your child’s comfort. Our staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide all types of in-office anesthesia in a safe environment utilizing state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.
At our practice in Hiawatha, IA, we offer several types of anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal:
- Local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is an anesthetic that is applied directly to the area of surgery. This type of anesthesia allows you to remain fully conscious. Local anesthesia is used in all oral surgery procedures, often along with other forms of anesthesia.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is commonly used along with other types of anesthesia to help the patient feel relaxed and at ease during procedures. It does have a mild pain controlling effect but allows the patient to remain conscious during surgery.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation. Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and decide to be sedated with IV sedation. With this type of anesthesia, you will enter a sleep-like state and will have no awareness of the procedure taking place. It is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer) before you receive IV sedation. A responsible adult should drive you home after the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hiawatha, IA
Drs. Morio, Morio, and Frerichs are wisdom teeth removal specialists, having performed this surgery for many years. If you would like an estimate of your cost or have questions about wisdom teeth removal at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa in Hiawatha, IA, please give us a call at (319) 743-0077 to speak with one of our patient care coordinators.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The fee for your treatment is determined by several factors. These may include the number of teeth to be removed, the type of anesthesia that is chosen, your insurance coverage, and other factors such as how the teeth are impacted and how difficult the extraction will be. Please contact the front office staff at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa so that we can schedule your consultation with one of our trusted oral surgeons.
Here are some of the reasons why early wisdom teeth removal is cost-effective:
- Prevention of oral health problems. Dental shifting, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth or gum tissue can be avoided by extracting the wisdom teeth early.
- Easier surgery and faster recovery. The earlier wisdom teeth are removed, the faster the recovery period tends to be — in general, less developed molars are easier to extract. Faster healing means less time away from work or school.
- Reduced risk of complications. Complications such as bleeding, swelling, and discomfort can be avoided when wisdom teeth are removed at a younger age.
The team at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa makes every effort for wisdom teeth removal to be accessible for our patients. We accept a variety of insurance plans and payment methods and offer financing options as well. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. Our well-informed office staff will be happy to help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
Learn more about the cost for wisdom teeth removal on our Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost page.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
Please see our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ page.
Types of Anesthesia
Several methods of anesthesia are available at our practice:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When teeth are unable to erupt into the proper positions, this is known as impaction. Although most people develop 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. As a result, these molars are especially prone to becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and damage to nearby teeth, and are an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to cause infections and other problems.
Your wisdom teeth can be impacted without causing symptoms. However, if your impacted wisdom teeth begin to shift or become infected, you may notice some of the following things:
- Pain when opening the mouth
- Pain or sensitivity around the back molars, especially while eating
- Swelling of the gums near your back molars
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or a bad odor that won’t go away
For impacted wisdom teeth to be addressed before they start to emerge or cause oral health problems, it is important that you/your child see your family dentist regularly for dental exams and imaging.
To learn more about impacted wisdom teeth, please visit our page on Impacted Wisdom Teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Instructions
At Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa, our priority is to provide safe and comfortable procedures that result in optimal outcomes for our patients. You will receive detailed care instructions from your oral surgeon regarding your wisdom teeth extraction, and it is important that you follow your pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to get the most out of your treatment and reduce the risk of complications. For your convenience, guidelines can be found here. Feel free to call our practice with any questions you may have, including questions about pre- and post-operative care. We are happy to offer guidance.
Where Can I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Dr. Dr. Nick Morio, Dr. Will Morio, and Dr. Mitch Frerichs offer wisdom teeth removal for patients in Cedar Rapids and other surrounding areas. By having wisdom teeth extracted now, you can protect your oral health for the future. Our office is located in Hiawatha, Iowa, and is only 10 minutes north of downtown Cedar Rapids. If you live in Cedar Rapids and you or your child need wisdom teeth removed, contact our oral and maxillofacial surgery experts at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa today.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
What are the signs of my wisdom teeth coming in?
If you notice discomfort, redness, or swelling in the area behind your back molars, or an unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth, see a dental professional right away for an oral exam. You may be suffering from an impacted or infected wisdom tooth. Often, there are no indications at all that wisdom teeth are developing or erupting, and this is why dental professionals recommend tracking the development of wisdom teeth during regular dental exams.
Will my wisdom teeth extraction hurt?
The surgeons at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa will generally administer a combination of local anesthetic and IV sedation for a wisdom teeth removal procedure. This type of sedation will cause the patient to fall into a sleep-like state. There will be no sensation of pain or awareness of the procedure taking place. Your oral surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to control any post-surgery discomfort, but you may find that it is not needed.
What is the cost of wisdom teeth removal?
The cost of your wisdom teeth removal depends on a few factors such as the number of wisdom teeth that will be removed, the type of anesthesia that is chosen, insurance coverage, the difficulty of the extraction, and more. The best way to find out what your fee will be for wisdom teeth removal is to call Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons. Early removal of wisdom teeth can save time and money in the future.
Are wisdom teeth always extracted?
Not always. However, in most cases, the human jaw does not have enough space for wisdom teeth to grow in without causing oral health problems, which is why dental professionals recommend that these molars be removed early, before they start to have problems. To find out if your or your child’s wisdom teeth are going to cause problems in the mouth, you will want to schedule an oral exam with a dental professional to have diagnostic images taken. Early diagnosis could save you time, money, and discomfort later.
Why do oral surgeons extract wisdom teeth? Couldn’t I just go to a dentist?
Since early removal is recommended, wisdom teeth will often be removed from beneath the gum tissue and overlying bone. This type of oral surgery is more complex than a routine tooth extraction that could be done by a family dentist and must be performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have additional years of training in surgery and anesthesia to safely remove wisdom teeth as well as address the complications that can arise.
How long is the average recovery time after wisdom teeth removal?
We find that most of our patients can comfortably return to school or work two to four days after their wisdom teeth removal procedure.
What dietary restrictions must I follow, and for how long?
A soft diet is recommended for at least three days following a wisdom teeth removal procedure. Your normal diet can be gradually introduced after this time. Be sure to avoid smoking and the use of a straw during the recovery period indicated by your oral surgeon.
Where can I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you have been recommended for wisdom teeth removal or are suffering from complications due to your wisdom teeth, please give Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa a call to schedule a consultation. You will be in excellent hands with Drs. Morio, Morio, and Frerichs!
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Wisdom Teeth Removal and other procedures.
"Hi, my name is Avery and I'm from Robins, and I came to the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to get my wisdom teeth removed. Coming into this practice, I was greeted with a smile. Everybody here was really sweet and caring, and they took all the extra steps to make me feel right at home. The doctor made me feel very comfortable and happy. He's such a good person. It was a successful procedure and the recovery went just as expected. I am thrilled that I chose this practice to get my wisdom teeth removed. If you live in Iowa City and need your wisdom teeth removed, I highly recommend the team here."
"I'm Brooke, and I live in Lisbon, Iowa, and I got my wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Morio. The surgery went super fast and well, and everything just went nice and smooth. The staff absolutely was amazing and did everything to make me feel at home and comfortable, and I felt safe as soon as I walked in the door. Dr. Morio is an amazing doctor. Everything was quick, easy, and painless, and I just felt super comfortable the entire time. I would give Dr. Morio five out of five stars. For my friends in Iowa City and Hiawatha, I highly recommend Dr. Morio."
"Hi, my name is Ella and I’m from Iowa City, and I came to the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I walked through the doors here, I felt really invited. Everybody greeted me with a smile and I felt really at home. The doctor here was really friendly. He was with me every step of the way. The staff here were really bubbly, and they always had smiles on their faces. I truly had an amazing experience, and it’s all thanks to Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa. They did an amazing job, and they’ll do an amazing job with you too."
"Hi, my name is Kaden and I'm from Marion, and I came to the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to get my wisdom teeth removed. Everybody here was very warm and welcoming. The doctor was very straightforward, but still very nice. He really knew what he was doing, and I knew that I was in good hands with him. The procedure was very successful, and I was up and running in no time. To my friends and family in Marion that need their wisdom teeth removed, I strongly recommend the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa."
"I'm Karsyn from Manchester, Iowa, and I had my wisdom teeth removed. My surgery went very fast. It felt like I took a 10-minute nap, and I was up again. The staff here is amazing. They're really nice, and they get to know you before everything happens, so you're comfortable here. Dr. Morio is one of the best doctors I've ever had. He talked to me about what was going to happen, and it just happened so smoothly, and I've never had a doctor like that before. I had an amazing experience here, and I definitely recommend Dr. Morio."
"My name is Kyleigh, I’m from Ryan, Iowa, and I had my wisdom teeth extracted. I was nervous before the surgery that I had here. It was my first surgery that I’ve ever had, and everyone here made me feel super comfortable. Dr. Morio is a great guy, and he made me feel extremely comfortable. Everything now is great. I’ve had zero issues since my surgery. My experience here was wonderful. My brother also just had a great experience here a couple weeks ago. I would definitely give this practice five stars."
"Hi, my name is Lauren, I'm from Marion, and I came to the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to get my wisdom teeth removed. The staff here were super polite and professional. They made me feel really welcome. I knew I was in good hands. The doctor here was remarkable. He went over the surgery with me and made me feel really secure about what was going on. It was a successful procedure, and the recovery went as expected. I'm so glad I chose this practice to get my wisdom teeth removed. To my friends and family in Marion, I highly recommend the team here."
"Hi, my name is Michael and I'm from Hiawatha, and I came to the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to get my wisdom teeth out. When I first walked into this practice, I felt super comfortable. The doctor did an amazing job. He made me feel like I was in exceptional hands here. The procedure was super successful, and the recovery went very well. By the next day, I was up and running in no time. To all my friends and family in Hiawatha and Waterloo, I definitely recommend getting a procedure done here."
"My name is Owen and I am from Delhi and I came to the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa to get my wisdom teeth removed. The staff here were very friendly and they gave me a smile as soon as I walked through the door. The doctor made me feel very confident that he was going to do an amazing job. The procedure was very successful and my recovery went great. The recovery was so quick and easy. I was back at football practice in no time. I am extremely happy that I chose this practice to get my wisdom teeth removed. To my friends in Cedar Rapids that need their wisdom teeth removed, I highly recommend the Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa. They’re the real deal and you’ll be so happy you came here."
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery in Hiawatha, IA
If your dentures are uncomfortable or ill-fitting, or you are due to receive dentures and have been recommended for pre-prosthetic surgery, please give Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa a call. Our oral surgeons will be pleased to meet with you to discuss your case during a consultation. If you are investigating other options, such as dental implants or other tooth replacement options, we are happy to discuss these options with you as well at that time.