SERVICES > GENERAL | WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Third molars – or wisdom teeth – are the last set of permanent adult teeth to erupt, usually in your late teens or early 20s. If they erupt abnormally, or become impacted in the jawbone, they can cause pain, swelling, and other oral health issues. Dr. Ryan K. Austin performs wisdom teeth removal at our Ogden, UT, oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in the utmost comfort...
SERVICES > GENERAL | WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Dentists make every effort to save your teeth, but in some cases, tooth extraction is necessary to protect your oral health. Dr. Ryan K. Austin performs tooth extractions with expert precision and comfort to patients throughout South Ogden and Brigham City, UT. Find out why you should choose our board-certified oral surgeon for an extraction...
Your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal because of an existing problem. In other instances, it may be performed to prevent:

GUM DISEASE
Impaction can cause a buildup of plaque and tartar. When these deposits are not removed, oral bacteria can increase, leading to red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed.

BITE PROBLEMS
Impacted wisdom teeth can put excessive pressure on adjacent teeth. In addition to pain and tenderness, impaction can also cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place.

DENTAL DECAY
Wisdom teeth can be very difficult to clean properly. As a result, cavities can develop on the exposed surface. Left untreated, this could lead to an abscess.

SINUS PROBLEMS
The upper third molars sit close to the maxillary sinuses. Impacted teeth can cause problems such as pain, pressure, or congestion, which can be quite uncomfortable.

JAW DAMAGE
Cysts can form around wisdom teeth as they are developing. Left untreated, the infection can compromise the supporting bone, causing permanent jaw damage.


If you are having pain or tenderness near the back of your jaw, schedule a consultation with your Ogden, UT, oral surgeon today. Dr. Austin uses only the most advanced techniques to reduce discomfort and promote a safe, effective recovery. He has special training in completing this procedure in a time-efficient manner, and his practice is open during school holidays and throughout the summer to make it a fit for your family's busy schedule.
We believe that all individuals should have access to high-quality dental care. In addition to accepting most dental insurance plans, we also offer cash discounts. To learn more about extractions, dental implants, or any of the other services we offer at our Ogden, UT, practice serving Brigham City and surrounding communities, contact us online or give us a call at
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Individuals who have an impacted tooth may notice a number of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
Pain or tenderness
Swelling and inflammation
Trapping food behind the molars
Pus or infection at the gum line
Red gum tissue
Before beginning your procedure, Dr. Austin takes scans and x-rays of your jaw to determine the exact location of the affected teeth. This step also allows him to identify nerves, sinuses, and other important landmarks in order to plan a safe procedure.
Next, Dr. Austin uses gentle, conservative techniques and specialized dental instruments to extract the teeth. In some cases, the teeth may be divided into segments for easier removal.
Once the teeth have been removed, any residual infection is cleaned out of the sockets. Finally, the gum tissue is repositioned and the incisions are closed with surgical sutures.
In addition to local anesthesia to numb the area, sedation can also be provided for optimal comfort. Dr. Austin offers both nitrous oxide and IV sedation to induce euphoria and keep you relaxed.
If the tooth partially or fully impacted, your UT oral surgeon creates a small incision in the gum tissue. Depending on the degree of impaction, incisions in the bone tissue may also be necessary.
Finally, your Ogden, UT, surgeon places a gauze pack over the surgical site to slow bleeding and promote blood clot formation. This should be left in place for at least 30 minutes.
Before beginning your procedure, Dr. Austin takes scans and x-rays of your jaw to determine the exact location of the affected teeth. This step also allows him to identify nerves, sinuses, and other important landmarks in order to plan a safe procedure.
Next, Dr. Austin uses gentle, conservative techniques and specialized dental instruments to extract the teeth. In some cases, the teeth may be divided into segments for easier removal.
Once the teeth have been removed, any residual infection is cleaned out of the sockets. Finally, the gum tissue is repositioned and the incisions are closed with surgical sutures.
In addition to local anesthesia to numb the area, sedation can also be provided for optimal comfort. Dr. Austin offers both nitrous oxide and IV sedation to induce euphoria and keep you relaxed.
If the tooth partially or fully impacted, your UT oral surgeon creates a small incision in the gum tissue. Depending on the degree of impaction, incisions in the bone tissue may also be necessary.
Finally, your Ogden, UT, surgeon places a gauze pack over the surgical site to slow bleeding and promote blood clot formation. This should be left in place for at least 30 minutes.
This animation illustrates how a single impacted wisdom tooth can disrupt the alignment of an entire dental arch within your mouth.
While full recovery takes about two weeks, most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two. Dr. Austin will provide you with a personalized list of postoperative instructions following your procedure. Here are some general guidelines to foster a quick and comfortable recovery:
AVOID STRAWS
While we encourage patients to drink plenty of water following their procedure, do not drink anything through a straw for the first week. This can dislodge the blood clots and lead to dry sockets – a condition in which the jawbone becomes exposed.
EAT A SOFT FOOD DIET
Steer clear of hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, which can irritate the surgical site. Eat softer, cooler foods for the first few days. This can include pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, fish, pasta, smoothies, ice cream, and similar foods.
DO NOT SMOKE
Tobacco products slow the body's natural healing process and increase the risk for dry sockets. One study revealed that 12 percent of patients who smoked following extraction developed dry sockets. Take this opportunity to kick the habit.
KEEP THE AREA CLEAN
It is important to keep your mouth (and especially the surgical site) clean. Gently soak the area with warm saltwater or antibacterial rinse two to three times a day, then carefully spit. Avoid vigorous spitting, which can disrupt blood clots.
ATTEND FOLLOW-UP VISITS
After your procedure, you may be scheduled for one or more follow-up appointments at our Ogden oral surgery practice. It is important to attend all of these so that your dentist can ensure you are healing successfully.
Some of our patients ask if they should replace their wisdom teeth with dental implants. Unlike other teeth in the mouth, wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced. Your oral function will not be compromised by the absence of third molars, so once you have healed following extraction, you need only take the best possible care of your remaining teeth.
However, when it comes to any other teeth that are lost or extracted, Dr. Austin suggests replacing them. Gaps and spaces can lead to shifting, which can result in an unbalanced bite over time. If you are missing teeth due to decay, gum disease, or other issues, ask your dentist how dental implants and other treatments can restore your smile. We welcome patients from throughout Brigham City and surrounding communities.
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Dr. Ryan K. Austin is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with offices in South Ogden and Brigham City, UT. He practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with a focus on dental implant surgery, bone grafting associated with dental implants, and wisdom tooth extraction. He is proud to be affiliated with:
To request a consultation with Dr. Austin, please fill out our online form or call (801) 399-3701.
