Dental Services

Our Dental Services | Wisdom Teeth | Other Dental Extractions | Other Impacted Teeth | Surgical Orthodontics | Orthodontic Anchorage | Dental Implants | Pre-Prosthetic Surgery | Dental Trauma | Periodontal Bone Grafting

By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth in the upper jaw and 16 teeth in the lower jaw. Most jaws can only fit 14 teeth in a healthy way. The four extra teeth that don’t fit are your third molars (3rds), also known as "wisdom teeth."

With an oral examination and x-rays of the jaws, Dr Reynolds can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and decide if they pose a problem and should be removed. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the early teenage years even before the teeth erupt into the mouth.

At the consultation visit Dr Reynolds will discuss medical history and symptoms related to the wisdom teeth. Patients view a video and discuss the risks and benefits of removing wisdom teeth and decide on the type of anesthesia for the surgery. The procedure will be briefly discussed and the post operative instructions will be previewed. The consent must also be read and signed.

The procedure is usually preformed in our in-office surgical suites. All surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr Reynolds has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia.

The patient has the opportunity to choose from various anesthetic options. See the section “What We Do; Anesthesia”. In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under IV sedation, but local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or general anesthesia are also available. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

If the patient has had IV sedation or general anesthesia, they will recover in our office for a period of time. Post operative care will be discussed with the patient and their escort. The patient will be discharged to their escort with a follow-up appointment scheduled at one week.

To preview Pre-Operative Instructions, Consent and Post-Operative Instructions along with the scheduled visits, see “Doc’s Orders; Dental; Wisdom Teeth”.