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Wisdom teeth removal is a standard procedure, yet who performs it can greatly affect your experience and outcome. While some extractions can be done by general dentists, oral surgeons are specialists trained to handle even the most complex cases with precision, safety, and comfort.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, painful, or infected, seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon ensures you receive expert surgical care from start to finish.
Table of Contents
- What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?
- Why Choose an Oral Surgeon Over a Dentist?
- Patient Testimonial
- What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Recovery and Aftercare
- Wisdom Teeth Removal in Boulder, CO
- FAQ
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to emerge usually between ages 17 and 25. Most people develop four, but some have fewer or none at all.
Because the modern human jaw is often too small to accommodate them, wisdom teeth can become:
- Impacted: trapped beneath the gums or bone
- Misaligned: pushing against neighboring teeth
- Partially erupted: allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection
Even if you aren’t in pain now, impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can lead to future issues like cysts, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon Over a Dentist?
Oral surgeons have advanced training and anesthesia certifications, making them the preferred choice for wisdom tooth removal, particularly in complex cases.
1. Specialized Surgical Training
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete several years of hospital-based surgical residency after dental school. This training covers complex extractions, bone removal, and management of impacted teeth that are not visible above the gum line.
2. Advanced Sedation and Anesthesia
Oral surgeons are certified by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) to administer all levels of anesthesia, from IV sedation and general anesthesia. This allows patients to stay calm, relaxed, or even asleep throughout the procedure.
3. Precision and Experience
Because oral surgeons perform extractions daily, they are highly skilled at handling unusual tooth positions, dense bone, or curved roots. Their experience helps reduce surgical time and minimize trauma to surrounding tissues.
4. Managing Complications Safely
Complex cases sometimes involve sinus exposure, infection, or nerves near the lower jaw. Oral surgeons are trained to handle these challenges immediately and prevent complications during or after surgery.
Patient Testimonial
Hear from a patient from Northglenn that came to Foley & Le Oral Surgery for wisdom teeth removal.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal
After reviewing your X-rays or 3D imaging, your oral surgeon will determine the best sedation option for you.
During the procedure, your surgeon will:
- Numb the area with local anesthesia or provide IV sedation
- Make a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone
- Remove bone or section the tooth if needed for easier extraction
- Clean the area and close with dissolvable stitches
- Place gauze to control bleeding and help form a clot
The entire procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number and complexity of teeth removed.
| Comfortable Recovery with Exparel® At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, we use Exparel®, a long-lasting, non-opioid medication that helps control pain for up to 72 hours after surgery. By numbing the surgical area, Exparel® reduces the need for prescription pain medication and makes recovery more comfortable and manageable. |
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients recover comfortably within a few days. You may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or stiffness, which can be managed with ice packs and prescribed pain medication.
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-op instructions for eating, cleaning, and managing discomfort. Following these closely helps prevent dry socket and supports faster healing.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Boulder, CO
If your dentist has recommended removing your wisdom teeth, choosing an experienced oral surgeon can make all the difference in comfort, safety, and long-term results.
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide expert care using the latest technology and sedation techniques to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
FAQ
You may need removal if you experience pain, swelling, infection, or facial pain near the back of your mouth. Even if you don’t have symptoms, X-rays may reveal impacted teeth that could cause problems later and affect your long-term oral health.
The dental procedure is performed using local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable. Mild soreness afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter or prescription medication.
Foley & Le Oral Surgery provides expert wisdom teeth removal for patients throughout Boulder and the surrounding areas, including Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Estes Park and Erie. Our board-certified oral surgeons offer advanced care, sedation options, and the latest technology to ensure a safe, comfortable experience from start to finish.
