Expert Wisdom Teeth Care Coordinated from Start to Finish
Wisdom tooth extraction can feel intimidating, and Gilreath Family Dentistry wants every patient to be cared for in the most professional manner possible. That’s why we’ve built an excellent relationship with Northwest Oral Surgery (NWOS), a respected oral surgery practice located in Marietta and throughout Cobb County.
Like most oral surgery practices, NWOS prefers patients to be referred by a general dentist. Patients can visit our office for an exam or a complimentary consultation. Our doctors evaluate the wisdom teeth, explain whether removal is recommended, and provide a referral to NWOS, where patients receive VIP treatment as part of the Gilreath Family Dentistry family.
Book a Wisdom Teeth ConsultationWhy Wisdom Teeth Often Need to Come Out
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, typically the last teeth to develop, usually in the late teens or early twenties. In many patients, there isn’t enough room for them to come in properly, which can lead to serious problems:
- Damage to neighboring teeth: Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth can damage the bone and structure of the adjacent teeth.
- Decay and gum disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean, and decay or gum disease often develops in a matter of time.
- Cysts and bone damage: Fully impacted wisdom teeth that remain hidden beneath the gums can develop cysts that damage the jawbone.
- Avoiding future complications: Removing problem wisdom teeth before they’re fully developed is preventive therapy that helps patients avoid more complicated treatment later on.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need Attention
Some wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular exams and X-rays are so important. Patients should schedule an evaluation if they notice:
- Pain or pressure at the back of the mouth
- Red, swollen, or tender gums behind the last molars
- Repeated infection or pain around a partially erupted tooth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that won’t go away
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth
- Food getting trapped around the back teeth
Your Path to Wisdom Teeth Removal with Gilreath Family Dentistry
We make the wisdom teeth removal process simple and stress-free. Here’s how it works:
Exam or Complimentary Consultation
Patients visit our Marietta office for an exam or a complimentary consultation. Our doctors review symptoms, dental history, and any concerns.
Digital and 3D Imaging
Low-dose digital X-rays and 3D CT scans, when needed, show the position, angle, and development of each wisdom tooth.
Personalized Recommendation
Our doctors explain the findings clearly and let patients know whether removal is recommended and why.
VIP Referral to Northwest Oral Surgery
When extraction is recommended, we provide a referral to Northwest Oral Surgery, where patients receive VIP treatment as Gilreath Family Dentistry patients.
Extraction
Depending on the position and development of each tooth, extractions may be simple or surgical. A surgical extraction involves sectioning the tooth and removing it in portions.
Continued Care at Our Office
After healing, patients return to Gilreath Family Dentistry for their routine checkups, cleanings, and ongoing care.
Who Should Have Their Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?
A wisdom teeth evaluation is recommended for:
- Teens and young adults whose wisdom teeth are developing
- Patients with impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Patients experiencing pain, swelling, or repeated infections at the back of the mouth
- Patients preparing for or completing orthodontic treatment
- Adults who still have their wisdom teeth and haven’t had them evaluated recently
Advanced 3D Imaging for Accurate Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
Gilreath Family Dentistry uses low-dose digital X-rays and in-office 3D dental CT scans to evaluate wisdom teeth precisely. 3D imaging shows the exact position of each wisdom tooth and its relationship to nearby nerves and sinuses. That information helps our doctors determine whether removal is recommended and supports safer treatment planning.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation in Marietta
Don’t wait for wisdom teeth to cause pain, infection, or damage. Contact Gilreath Family Dentistry at 200 White St NW in Marietta to schedule an exam or complimentary consultation, and let us coordinate VIP care with Northwest Oral Surgery.
Schedule a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Gilreath Family Dentistry evaluates wisdom teeth and coordinates removal with our trusted partner, Northwest Oral Surgery, located in Marietta and throughout Cobb County. Patients visit our office for an exam or complimentary consultation, and we provide a referral to NWOS, where they receive VIP treatment as our patients.
Like most oral surgery practices, Northwest Oral Surgery prefers patients to be referred by a general dentist. Gilreath Family Dentistry makes the process easy by evaluating the wisdom teeth, taking any needed imaging, and providing the referral.
Not always. Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, properly positioned, and easy to clean may not need removal. However, impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth often cause decay, gum disease, damage to neighboring teeth, or cysts. Our doctors evaluate each case to determine whether removal is recommended.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t have enough room to fully erupt through the gums. It may remain completely hidden beneath the gums or come in only partially. Impacted wisdom teeth can damage nearby teeth and bone and may develop cysts or infections.
Wisdom teeth are often evaluated in the late teens or early twenties, when they’re still developing. Removing problem wisdom teeth before they’re fully developed can help avoid complications later on. Our doctors monitor wisdom teeth development during routine checkups.
Soreness typically lasts for a few days, and complete healing usually takes about two weeks. Following home care instructions carefully helps reduce the risk of complications such as dry socket and supports a smooth recovery.
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves too early. Avoiding straws, smoking, and forceful spitting in the days after surgery helps protect the clot. Following all post-operative instructions is the best way to prevent dry socket.
Many dental and medical insurance plans provide coverage for wisdom teeth evaluation and removal, especially when the teeth are impacted or causing problems. Gilreath Family Dentistry accepts most insurance plans for the exam and imaging at our office. The oral surgery practice will review coverage for the extraction itself.