Welcome to the world of wisdom teeth, where keeping your pearly whites in check can sometimes be a bit of a challenge! Fortunately, at Apex Dental, we’ve got you covered with our top-notch services and exceptional care. Experience the Apex Advantage, where expedited scheduling means you don’t have to wait months for an appointment! Combined with our IV sedation options, wisdom tooth extraction becomes a more comfortable and efficient experience. With our skilled professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, you can rest assured that your smile is in the best hands in West Des Moines and beyond!

Our third set of molars, also known as our wisdom teeth, typically develop in our teens and early twenties. When our jaws develop to adequate size, our wisdom teeth can erupt properly and be well maintained. In the shrinking jaws of modern society, however, many people have wisdom teeth that become impacted and/or have insufficient space to erupt or be cleaned appropriately.

At Apex Dental, we monitor wisdom tooth development and potential impact on the rest of your mouth through X-rays, including 3D imaging, and examination. 

Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate all four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted wisdom teeth. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.

We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panoramic x-ray) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.

• Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
• Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
• Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.

We are proud to offer removal of simple as well as more complex impacted wisdom teeth in our office, and also offer IV sedation in-house which allows you to rest comfortably during your procedure with little to no memory of your dental treatment.

Consultation and assessment

Before your wisdom tooth extraction, our experienced team will conduct a thorough consultation and assessment, discussing any concerns or questions you may have. This includes using our advanced 3D CBCT technology to create a panoramic image of your teeth and jaw, providing us with a comprehensive view of your dental health. If you have any anxiety or concerns about the procedure, we can also conduct a sedation consultation to determine the best options for you. This ensures that we have a complete understanding of your dental health and are able to provide the most personalized treatment possible.

Pre-procedure instructions

Prior to your procedure, our team will provide detailed instructions to help you prepare. This may include information about fasting, medications, and transportation arrangements. Following these instructions is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful procedure.

What to expect during the procedure

During your wisdom tooth extraction, our team will utilize the latest tools and techniques to ensure your comfort and safety. Our IV sedation option can help minimize any anxiety or discomfort you may feel, and our experienced team will closely monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Post-operative care and recovery

Following your wisdom tooth extraction, our team will provide detailed instructions and care information to help you manage any discomfort or swelling and ensure a smooth recovery. We will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that everything is healing properly.

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. They 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.

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.

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.

Apex Dental offers the comfort of in-house IV sedation for your wisdom tooth removal surgery.  This provides a pain-free and low anxiety experience.  Dr. Brad has been licensed in IV sedation by the Iowa Dental Board for many years. He maintains membership in the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.  He and his team have extensive training in offering IV sedation to assure a safe and effective treatment.

IV sedation helps reduce anxiety and stress during the procedure, making it easier for your body to focus on healing and recovery. Many patients who undergo IV sedation have little to no memory of the experience, making the recovery process more comfortable as you won’t dwell on or feel stressed about the procedure. Remember that individual recovery times can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the extraction, your overall health, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions.

Expertise and experience of our dental professionals

We pride ourselves on having a team of highly skilled and experienced dental professionals led by our dynamic duo, Dr. Brad and Dr. Mindy. Our passionate team is committed to providing exceptional care to our patients, ensuring that each one receives the individualized attention and treatment they deserve.

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment

At Apex Dental, we’re dedicated to utilizing the most advanced tools and techniques available, allowing us to provide the highest standard of care possible for our wisdom tooth extraction patients. With our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge dental technology, including 3D CBCT imaging and PRF therapy, we’re able to deliver precise and comfortable procedures that go above and beyond our patients’ expectations. We’re proud to serve the West Des Moines community and beyond and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care for years to come.

Personalized approach to patient care

We believe that every patient is unique, and we tailor our treatment plans to meet your individual needs and preferences. By taking the time to get to know you and understand your dental concerns, we can create a customized plan that not only addresses your oral health issues but also ensures a comfortable and positive experience.

Low anxiety environment and emphasis on patient education:

At Apex Dental, we understand that dental visits can be anxiety-inducing for some patients, especially if it has been years since their last appointment. We’re genuinely thrilled you’re here now, and our compassionate team creates a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere to put you at ease. We’re passionate about providing comprehensive information and educating our patients about their dental health, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their treatment options. Our goal is to support and guide you on your journey toward optimal oral health, every step of the way.

Serving the West Des Moines area and beyond

We’re proud to serve the West Des Moines area and beyond, and are committed to improving the oral health and well-being of our neighbors through lasting relationships and community involvement. We strive to create lasting relationships with our patients and contribute to the overall health and happiness of our community.

At Apex Dental, we understand that the thought of wisdom tooth extraction can be daunting. That’s why we provide patients with the highest standard of care, prompt scheduling, IV sedation, and state-of-the-art technology, all in a warm and welcoming environment.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, or just want to learn more about our services, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll provide you with personalized care, education, and options to ensure your dental health and happiness.

Ready to take the first step toward a pain-free smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation! You can find us conveniently located in the heart of West Des Moines, just a stone’s throw away from Des Moines and surrounding areas. We can’t wait to hear from you!