Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of the mouth. We look at them when they are crowded, stuck under the gum, decayed or sore, and when your dentist asks us to.
Not every wisdom tooth has to come out. Dr. Applewhite looks at your X-ray and your mouth, tells you what she sees, and you decide together.
Who it is for
For teens and adults
Often sent by a dentist
Sometimes the answer is to watch
What happens
Most people need a consult, the surgery and one check visit: two or three visits.
- 01
Step 1: Consult and X-ray
Dr. Applewhite looks at your X-ray and mouth and explains your options.
- 02
Step 2: A written plan and estimate
What she suggests, what else you could do, and the fee for each step.
- 03
Step 3: Surgery day
You are numbed, or sedated if you chose it. Your driver waits for you.
- 04
Step 4: Recovery and a check visit
A few days of rest and soft food, then a short visit to see how you are healing.
Before you decide
What we tell every patient, in the same four parts.
Comfort
We numb the area with local anesthetic. If you want more than that, the sedation page explains who gives it, how you are watched and what to arrange beforehand.
If you wait
Some wisdom teeth never cause trouble. Others can lead to infection, a cyst, or damage to the tooth next to them. Watching is often reasonable, and we tell you what to watch for.
Risks and after-care
Swelling, bruising and soreness in the first days are common. Dry socket, infection, bleeding that doesn't stop, and numbness in the lip or tongue can happen. Dr. Applewhite explains the risks for your teeth before you agree to anything, and you go home with written after-care.
How it is billed
Often a dental plan covers it, and sometimes a medical plan does. You get the codes and the estimate before surgery.
How fees work
Questions about wisdom teeth
Do all wisdom teeth have to come out?
No. Dr. Applewhite recommends removal when a tooth is causing trouble or is likely to. Otherwise she may suggest watching it.
How long will I be away from work or school?
Plan on a few days of rest. She tells you what to expect for your teeth at the consult.
Can I eat before surgery?
It depends on the anesthesia you choose. You get written instructions the day before.
Who drives me home?
A responsible adult. For sedation, they stay with you for the rest of the day.
Provided by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Dr. Dionne Applewhite, DDS, licensed in Louisiana. Practice limited to oral and maxillofacial surgery.