Wisdom Teeth Removal in Charlotte, NC
At Atlantic Oral, Implant & Facial Surgery, we provide wisdom teeth removal for teens, young adults, and adults at our Charlotte office in Blakeney. Led by our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Edward Alessandrini, our team combines surgical expertise with personalized care designed around each patient’s needs and comfort.
From your initial evaluation through treatment and recovery, we help you understand what to expect and feel prepared for each stage of wisdom teeth removal.
What to Expect at Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Alessandrini and our team will examine your mouth and review X-rays to evaluate the position and development of your wisdom teeth. This helps us determine whether the teeth have enough room to come in normally, are impacted, or may be affecting nearby teeth and gums.
Wisdom teeth are often first evaluated during the mid-teen years, when our team may begin monitoring their development. Early evaluation can help us determine whether continued monitoring is appropriate or whether removal may be recommended.
If treatment is needed, Dr. Alessandrini will discuss the recommended timing, anesthesia options, and next steps with you so you know what to expect before your procedure.
When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recommended?
Wisdom teeth removal may be recommended when there is not enough room for the third molars to grow normally or when their position may cause problems for the surrounding teeth, gums, or jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth may remain partially or completely beneath the gums or bone, making them more difficult to clean and monitor.
The timing of removal depends on how the wisdom teeth are developing, their position, symptoms, and the potential for future problems. Some of the concerns we evaluate include:
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jawbone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand, destroying adjacent jawbone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jawbone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
Why Choose Us for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Charlotte?
Wisdom teeth removal can range from a straightforward extraction to a more involved surgical procedure, particularly when teeth are impacted or positioned close to nearby nerves, teeth, or other structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive advanced surgical and anesthesia training specifically for procedures involving the teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.
At our office, wisdom teeth care is led by Dr. Edward Alessandrini, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with both dental and medical degrees, who has practiced in Charlotte since 2006. His background includes advanced training in dentoalveolar surgery and anesthesia, bringing both surgical expertise and experience managing patient comfort and safety to wisdom teeth treatment.
Anesthesia & Sedation for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Comfort is an important part of wisdom teeth surgery, particularly for patients who feel anxious about treatment or require removal of impacted teeth. We offer anesthesia and sedation options tailored to the procedure, your medical history, and your individual comfort needs.
Depending on your treatment plan, options may include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or office-based general anesthesia. We will review the appropriate options with you during your consultation so you understand what to expect.
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced anesthesia training, Dr. Alessandrini is trained to provide and monitor anesthesia as part of surgical care. Our team uses appropriate monitoring throughout treatment to support your safety and comfort.
If you will be receiving sedation or general anesthesia, we will provide specific instructions for preparing for surgery , including fasting requirements, medications, and arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you after the procedure.
Learn More About Anesthesia & Sedation
What to Expect on the Day of Wisdom Teeth Removal
On the day of your procedure, our surgical team will review your treatment plan, help you get comfortable, and prepare you for the anesthesia or sedation option discussed during your consultation.
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, although the total time in our office is usually closer to 90 minutes to allow for preparation and early recovery. We also use local anesthesia to help keep the surgical area comfortable after the procedure.
Once treatment is complete, you will remain in our office until our team determines that you are ready to leave with your responsible adult. You can then return home to rest and begin the recovery process.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness are normal after wisdom teeth removal. The first few days are typically focused on rest to allow the surgical areas to begin healing. Wisdom teeth recovery varies depending on the number and position of the teeth removed, but many patients begin feeling more like themselves within several days. That recovery resource also provides more detail about what you may experience as healing progresses and potential post-operative concerns to be aware of.
Before you leave our office, our team will review how to care for the surgical areas at home. Following our post-operative instructions for wisdom tooth removal is important for managing bleeding and swelling, protecting the surgical sites, gradually returning to normal eating and oral hygiene, and knowing when to contact our office with a concern.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost & Insurance
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies based on factors such as how many teeth need to be removed, whether they are impacted, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia or sedation used.
Insurance coverage for wisdom teeth removal varies by plan. Our team can help you understand your benefits and available payment options, and additional information about financing and insurance is available for patients preparing for treatment.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
Yes, it is common for multiple wisdom teeth to be removed during the same procedure when treatment is appropriate. Our doctor will evaluate the position and development of each tooth and recommend which teeth should be removed based on your individual situation.
Wisdom teeth removal may be a simple extraction or a surgical procedure depending on how the teeth have developed. Impacted wisdom teeth that remain partially or completely beneath the gums or jawbone generally require a surgical approach.
Anesthesia is used during wisdom teeth removal to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Sedation options are also available depending on your treatment plan and comfort needs. Some soreness and swelling are expected afterward as the surgical areas heal.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Charlotte
If you or your child may need wisdom teeth removed, a consultation with our team can help determine the appropriate next step. We provide wisdom teeth evaluation and treatment at our Blakeney office, serving patients from Ballantyne, Pineville, Steele Creek, and communities throughout South Charlotte.
From the initial evaluation through surgery and recovery, our team provides personalized guidance so you and your family understand what to expect at each stage of treatment.
Book an Appointment or call 704-541-7761 to schedule your consultation.
