Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, may seem harmless, but their emergence can come with serious complications that necessitate their removal. At Leavitt Dentistry, we understand the potential issues associated with wisdom teeth and aim to provide personalized solutions. Dr. Leavitt, with his extensive training and expertise, ensures that wisdom teeth removal is a comfortable experience for our patients by utilizing IV sedation.

Understanding the Need for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. In most cases, they lack a functional purpose — in fact, they often do more harm than good. The majority of people don’t have room in their mouths for this extra set of molars, and when they erupt, they can cause all kinds of problems, including damage to neighboring teeth, serious infections, tooth decay, bone loss, cyst formation, and gum issues.

To prevent potential complications and address discomfort, it’s crucial to evaluate whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary. By performing a thorough examination with our 3D conebeam digital X-ray, Dr. Leavitt can assess development and impact on long-term oral health, then carefully weigh the benefits of removal. His dedication to protecting patients’ oral health allows him to make informed recommendations tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Leavitt Dentistry

If you’re nervous about the prospect of wisdom teeth surgery, you’ve come to the right place. At Leavitt Dentistry, we understand that oral surgery procedures such as wisdom teeth removal can be daunting. That’s why we prioritize patient comfort by offering IV sedation, a cutting-edge solution for individuals needing oral surgery or with dental anxiety.

Dr. Leavitt has extensive experience with wisdom teeth and oral surgery and has specialized training and certifications in IV sedation and oral surgery. Our sedation dentistry services, including IV sedation, allow patients to rest comfortably while we complete their dental work. This advanced technology has enabled countless individuals to undergo complex dental procedures like wisdom teeth removal while they sleep peacefully.

What sets Leavitt Dentistry apart is our commitment to providing safe, affordable IV sedation within the comfort of our office. By conducting sedation procedures in-house, we not only decrease costs for patients compared to visiting a surgery center, but we also create a stress-free, streamlined experience for our patients, allowing them to get the care they need without putting their lives on hold.

IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia

There are many different types of sedation available, from the soothing effects of nitrous oxide to the complete unconsciousness of general anesthesia on the other end of the spectrum. Oral sedation with sedative medication administered in our office and IV sedation are options along the spectrum that provide very comfortable relaxation while allowing the patient to remain conscious and responsive but with little memory of the visit. 

We also have relationships with a local surgery center and visit there regularly with patients who would prefer to have general anesthesia. If you’re not sure which sedation option is right for your wisdom teeth removal, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leavitt. By discussing your unique needs, we can come up with a customized plan to ensure your procedure is pain-free and comfortable.

When it comes to sedation dentistry, IV sedation is a great option. . It provides a deeper level of relaxation than many other options, taking the stress out of wisdom teeth removal. While many patients doze off under the effects of IV sedation, they still maintain a level of consciousness. It also has an amnesic effect, which means you likely won’t even remember much of the procedure once it’s over.

If you opt for IV sedation for your wisdom teeth removal at Leavitt Dentistry, there are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your procedure:

• Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your appointment time. Abstain from alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
• The effects of IV sedation usually last for up to 24 hours after the procedure, which means no driving or making big decisions on the day of your surgery. Ask a friend or family member for a ride back and forth instead.
• We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure and during recovery.

Contact Us for Comprehensive Care

Thanks to advanced dental technology like IV sedation, there’s no reason to be afraid of wisdom teeth removal. At Leavitt Dentistry, we believe that no one should live with oral pain and are dedicated to going the extra mile to ensure a positive experience for all our patients. Whatever type of sedation you opt for, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process and ensure your wisdom teeth removal is as stress-free and painless as possible.

Our dedication to providing comfortable, personalized care extends beyond the walls of our office. For patients who require a higher level of sedation or have unique circumstances regarding their wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Leavitt has the credentials necessary to provide dental care in surgery centers.

To schedule a wisdom teeth consultation, contact Leavitt Dentistry today.

A sparkling, healthy smile doesn’t just boost your confidence — it’s also a reflection of your overall well-being. Maintaining your oral health is crucial for enhancing your quality of life. 

At Leavitt Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that one of the most effective ways to protect your smile is through regular preventive care, including dental cleanings. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the role of regular dental visits in preventive care, along with the significance of dental cleanings and oral cancer screenings.

The Foundation of a Healthy Smile

One key aspect of maintaining optimal oral health lies in preventive dental care, which involves a combination of good oral hygiene habits and regular professional care. Brushing and flossing daily are vital practices that remove plaque from the surface of your teeth, preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria. 

However, these at-home dental care practices, while important, are not enough on their own to address all oral health issues — regular visits to a reliable dentist’s office such as Leavitt Dentistry can give you a higher level of overall wellness.

Why Should I Get Regular Dental Check-Ups?

There are many reasons why you may tend to put off your regular visits to the dentist. Perhaps the thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious, or maybe it’s challenging to squeeze an appointment into your busy schedule. 

However, prioritizing professional dental cleanings and exams is instrumental in preventing many oral health issues and other long-term health problems. During these visits, your dentist can look for warning signs of gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. At Leavitt Dentistry, we recommend visiting our office as often as recommended by your dental professional.

Dental Cleanings: A Vital Component of Preventive Care

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, the importance of professional dental cleanings cannot be overstated. Even if you’re diligent in your at-home care, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, eventually leading to the formation of tartar. As a hardened form of plaque, tartar cannot be removed through brushing and flossing. 

Professional dental cleanings, performed by a highly skilled hygienist, effectively remove both plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. They can help eliminate stains on the surface of your teeth and remove odor-causing bacteria, leading to fresher breath and a brighter smile. Furthermore, regular exams allow your dentist to assess your overall oral hygiene practices and provide individualized advice for improvement. 

Preventing More Than Just Cavities

Cavities are a common concern, but preventive measures such as regular check-ups also contribute to other aspects of oral health. When you come in for regular exams, your dentist can evaluate the health of your gums and jaw along with your teeth, checking for issues like gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss and systemic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Preventive care addresses potential problems at their early stages, which not only saves you from future discomfort and costly treatments but also contributes to your overall well-being. It is an investment in your health that will pay off in the long run.

Cancer Screenings: Early Detection Saves Lives

The scope of preventive care also extends to oral cancer screenings. When detected early, oral cancer is highly treatable, making regular screenings an integral part of dental check-ups. During your routine examination, your dentist will check your mouth for abnormalities that may be signs of oral cancer, including red or white patches, lumps, or persistent sores. 

Catching these signs early on significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, so we recommend regular visits to Leavitt Dentistry as part of your overall health regimen.

The Cost-Effective Approach

We understand that you may be hesitant to prioritize preventive dental care due to concerns about the cost; however, in reality, preventive measures are often more cost-effective. When you address oral health issues early, you can prevent the need for more extensive and expensive treatments in the future. 

For help paying for dental care, Leavitt Dentistry offers a Dental Savings Plan. This ensures that everyone can afford to get the care they need, even if they don’t have insurance.

Protect Your Smile at Leavitt Dentistry

If you want to enhance your oral health and protect your sparkling smile, trust the expert team at Leavitt Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Whether you need preventive care like dental cleanings, cosmetic solutions, or other treatments, we can help. Don’t put it off any longer — contact us today to schedule an appointment.