Wisdom teeth removal is the procedure Dr. Jennifer Okhiria performs most at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta. She plans each case on a 3D scan, offers IV sedation, and recommends removal while patients are young and healthy, before problems start.
The surgery she does every day, planned around you
Why take wisdom teeth out before they hurt?
Wisdom teeth that don't have room often come in partway, trap food and get infected, or push on the teeth in front of them. Removal is usually easier and healing is faster in younger patients.
"The longer they wait, the more issues can arise," Dr. Okhiria says. "Don't avoid it, just confront it."
What does the 3D scan show?
Lower wisdom teeth often sit close to the nerve that gives feeling to the lip and chin. The CBCT scan shows exactly where that nerve runs, so Dr. Okhiria can plan around it.
What happens on the day?
Most patients choose IV sedation and don't remember the procedure. You'll get eating and drinking instructions beforehand and need an adult to drive you home.
What is recovery like?
Plan on a soft diet for five to seven days. Most people are back to school or work in a few days, and the sockets heal over about one to two weeks. You go home with written instructions, and Dr. Okhiria calls to check on you herself.
Honest limits
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If yours are fully in, healthy and easy to clean, Dr. Okhiria will tell you to leave them alone and have your dentist keep an eye on them.
Cost and scheduling
Removal of impacted or problem wisdom teeth is often partly covered by dental insurance. We check your benefits and give you a printed estimate at the consult.
Questions patients ask about wisdom teeth removal
What age is best to remove wisdom teeth?
Earlier is usually easier, while the roots are still forming and healing is faster. Dr. Okhiria recommends removal while patients are young and healthy if the teeth don't have room. Adults of any age can still have them out safely at our Atlanta office.
Will I be asleep for wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients choose IV sedation, which is deep relaxation where you breathe on your own and usually remember little. Local anesthesia alone or with laughing gas is also an option. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta helps you choose based on your health and your comfort.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot in a socket comes loose too early, leaving the bone exposed and painful. Not smoking, not using straws and following your written instructions lowers the risk. Call our Atlanta office if pain gets worse after day three.
When can I go back to school or work?
Most people return in two to four days. You'll want soft foods for about five to seven days and should skip hard exercise for a few days. Recovery varies, so plan a lighter week. Our Atlanta team will call to check in.
Do all four have to come out at once?
Usually it's easiest to remove all problem wisdom teeth in one visit, with one recovery. If only some need to come out, Dr. Okhiria will say so. She plans every case on a 3D scan at our Atlanta office before recommending anything.
Request a consult
Send a request and our team will call you to find a time. Most patients come with a referral from their dentist, and you're welcome without one.