Wisdom Teeth Removal in New Iberia LA
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Boudreaux can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential 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.
Experience
Extracted
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Dr. Boudreaux Can Gently Extract Wisdom Teeth
Don’t delay any longer! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties.
Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth 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 jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth.
Cysts 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 jaw bone.
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.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased.
If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops.
In general, you will heal faster, more predictably, and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort.
Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes.
Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, 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). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines.
We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible.
If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
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.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication.
The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided.
Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What if I have questions before surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at New Iberia Office Phone Number 337-560-0131 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
Dr. Boudreaux Can Gently Extract Wisdom Teeth
Don’t delay any longer! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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.
Southern Oral & Facial Surgery
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Boudreaux, and his staff were very friendly, and professional. Would recommend to anyone needing treatment beyond just your basic family dentistry.
- Jeremy P
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Boudreaux pulled two of my daughters pre molars so we can move forward with braces. He did a wonderful job. He was very knowledgeable and caring. His work is precise and the pain was minimal. His staff was also amazing! Very kind and caring and they keep a very clean and welcoming environment. We will be using them for all of our oral surgery needs!
- Ashley W
Patient Testimonial
Made to feel very comfortable by helpful, friendly staff and Doctor. Dr Boudreaux himself called to check on me after the surgery. Very minimal pain and swelling from tooth extraction and bone graft.
- Shantel V
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Boudreaux is an excellent oral surgeon. The nurses and other staff were helpful, efficient, and professional, and I was made to feel comfortable before and after the surgery. It was a painless procedure and a painless recovery. Dr. Boudreaux followed up with a personal call at the end of his work day. I highly recommend him and his team.
- Betty P
Patient Testimonial
Best extraction I’ve ever had in my life. No pain afterwards. No bleeding afterwards.
- Emmet R
Patient Testimonial
Very friendly staff and assistance procedure went good Doctor was very professional
- Dwight DeRouen D
Patient Testimonial
Extremely professional team, always with a smile and kind words. Doctor Boudreaux has a wonder bedside manner and extremely professional as well. I highly recommend them to everyone.
- Carmen T
Patient Testimonial
Friendly doctor and staff and was able schedule an appt. quickly.
- Gavin B
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Boudreaux and his staff are amazing! I had an extraction and he and his staff were very compassionate to my needs. I would highly recommend Dr. Boudreaux to my family and friends!
- Michelle B
Patient Testimonial
My first experience with this dental office was a pleasure so I did not hesitate to return. The front desk is run very efficiently. The back rooms service was very professional & patient when I had questions. The day of surgery was smooth and again very efficient. I highly recommend this business for any dental surgery they offer.
- Christine H
Patient Testimonial
Great experience w Dr Boudreaux and his staff. Hair is an A+
- Brady M
Patient Testimonial
excellent experience professional , courteous and excellent care A+
- Jose M
Patient Testimonial
In and out in less than an hour and most important, no discomfort during or after the procedure!
- Ty D
Patient Testimonial
I like it there he took really good care of me! Sweet staff!
- kuandisha A
Patient Testimonial
Dr Boudreaux personally called me to see how I was doing and I appreciated that very much!
- Catherine G
Patient Testimonial
Dr Boudreaux and his staff are absolutely marvelous !!! They did great !!
- Gail B
Patient Testimonial
Y'all did great!would recommend yall to anyone as being the best !
- Susie R
Patient Testimonial
The care in which Dr. Boudreaux and his staff gives, is EXCEPTIONAL. Thank you all!
- Ginger D
Patient Testimonial
When a person has to have all of their top teeth to get dentures it can be very traumatic. I was that person. Very nervous. I was put at ease immediately when I went for my procedure. Dr Boudreaux started the IV himself very impressive. Once the procedure was over. I was driven home. Dr Boudreaux called me but I missed his call because I was still zonked out from the anesthesia. Thank you Dr Boudreaux for your staff choice and for saying yes to being an oral surgeon. You are the best. Will definitely recommend you and use your services again if I ever need anything done.
- Mary E
Patient Testimonial
Dentist and staff professional and friendly answered all questions
- Thomas M