Wisdom Teeth Removal Near me in Sterling, VA
We provide a diagnosis, determine a treatment strategy, and perform wisdom teeth removal with maximum comfort in Sterling, VA.
Make appointmentWhat Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow in your mouth. Dentists also call them third molars. They come in after your second molars (sometimes called 12-year molars). Wisdom teeth fully form between the ages of 17 and 19. Around that time, they try to push through your gums and into your mouth.
Many people keep their wisdom teeth with no problems at all. But often, there isn’t enough space in the back of the mouth for these teeth to come in the right way. When that happens, the wisdom teeth get stuck under the gum line or get trapped behind the second molars. Dentists call these teeth “impacted wisdom teeth.”
Signs You May Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 9 out of 10 Americans have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. The oral surgeons at Sterling Dentist have a lot of experience removing impacted wisdom teeth.
When a wisdom tooth doesn’t come in all the way—or only comes in partway—it can cause several problems. You may need surgery to fix these issues. Here are the most common symptoms and problems linked to impacted wisdom teeth:
- Infection around the tooth
- Pain in the jaw or headaches
- Tooth decay (cavities) in the wisdom tooth
- Damage to nearby second molars
- Crowding or shifting of your other teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forming around the wisdom tooth
- The cyst growing into the jawbone
- The cyst harming nearby teeth
Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Sterling Dentist
Because impacted wisdom teeth can cause so many health problems, we often suggest having them removed. If your wisdom teeth are deeply impacted, we may recommend IV sedation or general anesthesia. These options make the procedure easier for you, especially when the extraction is more complex.
For less severe cases, we can remove your wisdom teeth using local anesthesia. This works well when:
- The tooth is not deeply impacted
- The angle of the tooth makes removal simpler
- The tooth has already come through the gum
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is also called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep.” It helps our oral surgeon perform your procedure while you stay relaxed and feel little to no discomfort. If you choose IV sedation, please remember:
- Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your appointment
- Bring a responsible adult with you to drive you home safely
Recovery Tips After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After your procedure, our team at Sterling Dentist will give you clear instructions. Most patients are asked to:
- Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
- Take pain medicine as directed
- Eat soft foods (like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes)
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your cheeks to reduce swelling and pain
You can also help your recovery by:
- Gargling gently with warm salt water to soothe your mouth
- Avoiding straws so you don’t disturb the healing wound
- Resting as much as possible for the first few days
Talk to Your Sterling, VA Oral Surgeon Today
Your oral surgeon at Sterling Dentist will walk you through every step of the wisdom tooth removal process. We will give you helpful tips on diet and nutrition. And we will answer any questions you may have—before or after your procedure.
Contact Us Today
Address
46045 Palisade Pkwy, Sterling, VA 20165
Phone
703-703-9355
svvdmd@gmail.com
Opening Hours
- Mo-Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sat 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM