Wisdom Teeth Removal; Extractions
Dr. Sabbagh is an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon serving the Auburn,WA, Federal Way, Enumclaw, and Sumner area. She is a double degree surgeon which means she completed medical school (MD) and dental school(DDS) as well as completed successfully a six year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sabbagh performs third molar extractions or wisdom teeth extractions under IV anesthesia for your comfort. She is highly trained in this aspect of Oral surgery as well as all other aspects of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
We have 32 adult teeth. The wisdom teeth or third molars erupt in the mouth during the teen age years. This is why they are called wisdom teeth insinuating that you become wise as you mature into young adult life. Wisdom teeth are the very back molars in the mouth. Most people develop all four wisdom teeth but some people may develop less than four. Often it is misunderstood that because there is not a wisdom tooth showing in the mouth that it never developed. This may be true if there is no tooth bud or impacted tooth in the jaw but often the tooth is impacted and it is not visible. An impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that is trapped in the jawbone below the chewing surface and is not visible. When a wisdom tooth is impacted is may become infected or cause pain. Often the wisdom tooth partially peaks through the gum. When this occurs it may cause pain. At this time you may seek out an oral surgeon for evaluation.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon And Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Dr. Sabbagh's advanced training beyond dental school included six years of advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery. Wisdom teeth extractions can be technically very challenging. This is why an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with additional training is the most adept at the procedure. Often the lower third molars are in close proximity to the mandibular nerve or the nerve that runs in the lower jaw. This nerve gives you the sensation of touch to the lower lip, tongue and gums. If this nerve is stretched or traumatized in the process of extraction, the patient may be numb for several weeks or even longer. This of course does not happen often, however it is reported in literature.
Consultation For Wisdom Teeth Extraction
At the consultation, Dr. Sabbagh will review your medical history thoroughly. She will review your radiographs and discuss the proximity of the roots of the lower wisdom teeth in relation to the nerve. On the top jaw there is the maxillary sinus that Dr. Sabbagh will explain to you. She will study the relationship of the maxillary sinus in relation to your top wisdom teeth which at times are close to the sinus.
Her examination will include a thorough examination of your oral cavity as well as a complete head and neck examination. She will evaluate the degree if difficulty of the impaction.
Are Wisdom Teeth Always Extracted?
If the tooth is completely above the gum, or fully erupted, Dr. Sabbagh will help you understand the risk/benefit ratio of the surgical procedure of third molar extraction. She may advise that you do not have the teeth extracted if after your clinical examination, the risks of the surgery outweigh the benefits. She will discuss the statistics of potential complications with you so you are fully educated in your decision to have the procedure. Dr. Sabbagh will make sure you know what to expect.
When to Extract Wisdom Teeth
If after reviewing your panographic X ray and a good clinical examination by Dr. Sabbagh and she finds you have underlying infection, decay, or impingement on adjacent teeth, she may recommend extraction of your third molars. Often, if your infection subsides, the surgery can be scheduled within a day or so. If she finds you have a bad infection related to the wisdom teeth, Dr. Sabbagh may place you on antibiotics until the infection subsides. This is determined at the time of the consultation.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Under IV Anesthesia
Dr. Sabbagh is fully trained to administer IV anesthesia. She obtained her training in the formal training program for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Oral Surgery is the only specialty of dentistry which formally trains the doctor to properly administer anesthesia. Dr. Sabbagh received her training at the University of Pennsylvania through the anesthesia program at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sabbagh has a license in the State of Washington to administer IV anesthesia. She is a Diplomate of the Society of Dental Anesthesiology as well as a Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. Proper anesthesia techniques will make your experience a comfortable one. After listening to your needs, Dr. Sabbagh will review the type of anesthesia that is best for you. Each patient is different. Medical history, medications, and allergies are all taken into account in making this decision. Dr. Sabbagh will decide which medicine is best for you afterwards to help you manage postoperative discomfort.
Schedule Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Dr. Emily M. Sabbagh is conveniently located in Federal Way. She sees many patients from Sumner,Auburn, Tacoma, Spanaway, and Seattle as well. Dr. Sabbagh has flexible hours and is always available for after hour dental emergencies. It is important to make an appointment as soon as your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal. Often you may have a finding on your dental x rays that your family dentist detects at your dental examination and you are not in pain. Often if your third molars are positioned in such a way that they are compromising your second molars or if they have a cyst or infection in the bone around the third molar it may be an indication to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr.Sabbagh. Dr. Sabbagh's knowledgeable and friendly patient coordinator will assist you in scheduling an appointment. We are very aware that your time is valuable and we make every effort to fit you in around your busy schedule. Once we obtain your insurance information, our financial coordinator will begin to work with your insurance to find our about your coverage before your scheduled appointment. At Sabbagh Oral Surgery we understand that it is important for you to know cost and we will give you the most accurate estimate that your insurance company provides. We will also perform any pre-authorization if you so desire and we will notify you immediately when we hear from your insurance company. If your co- pay is more than you anticipated, or if you do not have insurance at all, Dr.Sabbagh will make every effort to offer you a payment arrangement if you qualify. Just let our caring financial coordinator know and we will work with you to make it happen. Call today for an appointment for a consultation for wisdom teeth removal. Most insurances cover the consultation.