About Wisdom Teeth
Providing Gentle Wisdom Tooth Extractions to Lake Norman & It’s Surrounding Communities
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The Third Molars
We each get three sets of molars during our lifetime, and you probably don’t remember the arrival of your first molars around the age of six. Your second came around the age of 12. Third molars can erupt during the late teens or early twenties. A person becomes wiser as they transition into adulthood, so we refer to the third molars as wisdom teeth.
Need your wisdom teeth removed?
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
Huntersville Office (Lake Norman) Phone Number 704-875-8833 Book Online
Extraction: The Why
Most people have enough space in their mouth for 28 teeth. Either because of small jaw size or the effects of braces that straighten teeth and decrease posterior tooth space. By the time your wisdom teeth start to grow, those 28 slots are already filled, making it difficult for an additional 4 wisdom teeth to grow in properly. As a result, 9 out of 10 people find themselves with at least one impacted wisdom toot that requires extraction. Even if your wisdom teeth come in properly positioned, due to them being in the back of the mouth, it is difficult for most people to keep them clean. They could quite easily become infected and get cavities, gum disease themselves or cause the same for the adjacent tooth.
Learn More About Wisdom Tooth Extraction:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Common Questions After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Parents Corner
- Wisdom Teeth FAQ
- Dry Socket FAQ
What Does “Impacted” Mean?
Good Question! Impacted wisdom teeth are not able to fully erupt through the gums. It is a very common condition when it comes to wisdom teeth, and it is the number one reason why wisdom teeth need to be removed. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have at leas one impacted wisdom tooth.
Timing is Everything
If you are wondering why you continue to hear about teens and young adults having their wisdom teeth pulled, it’s because there is an optimal (yet fleeting) opportunity between the ages of 15-20 when the tooth roots haven’t fully formed yet. Once the roots have developed, the risk of nerve damage increases as well as the general difficult in removing them.
Does Everyone Need To Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
No, there are those very rare cases when patients don’t need to have their wisdom teeth removed. From time to time, Dr. Rendulich at The Center For Oral Surgery & Dental Implants sees a patient whose wisdom teeth appear to have fit nicely in the mouth and don’t need removal. However, these patients’ wisdom teeth are still prone to cavities and gum disease and must be monitored for life.
When Is The Best Time To Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
We recommend having your wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 15-20, before the roots have fully developed and entwined themselves in the nerves located in the jawbone. The best time can vary widely and is more dependent on root formation and less on age. 1/2 to 2/3rds root development is ideal. This is something your dentist or Dr. Rendulich can evaluate with an x-ray. Waiting makes removal much more complicated.
Do All Four Teeth Have To Be Pulled? No.
We assess each patients’ oral health thoroughly as we determine the best course of action for each unique case. Sometimes only one or two third molars need to be removed. Dr. Rendulich will go over all the risks and benefits of removal versus retention for each individual patient relative to their situation.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
The Center For Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review
Olivia is absolutely amazing! I was extremely nervous coming in today to get my wisdom teeth taken out, and Olivia did a great job of calming me down. She is so sweet and personable, and made the process of getting ready for surgery quick and easy. I met her previously when I came in for a consultation and she was awesome both times. Y'all are blessed to have such a great member on your team. Thank you so much Olivia!!!
- Maeve R
Patient Review
Best oral care facility that I have ever been too. Dr. Rendulich was very upfront, helpful,and professional before, during, and after my wisdom teeth removal surgery. I also have a lot of anxiety with surgeries and medical care of any kind and all of the staff and nurses, especially Becky, were so very kind and supportive during the after surgery procedures. I was so nervous about this surgery, but it was very easy and great overall thanks to their quality service and extreme kindness during these intersting times. Thank you all so much!!!
- Jeremy S
Patient Review
I would highly recommend this practice for wisdom teeth removal. Recovery time was much quicker than expected and staff and doctor were great to work with. Thank you.
- Josh M
Patient Review
This practice is a 10 out of 10. I called them on a Tuesday because my wisdom teeth were causing me pain has a consultation Thursday and they were removed the next day! The staff is so sweet and he doctor is amazing you can tell they are patient driven.!
- Ashley J
Patient Review
Would recommend to friends.
- Stacia C
Patient Review
Everything went smoothly thanks to Dr. Rendulich and his staff. All anesthesia options were presented and all our questions were answered. There was no pressure and the cost was clearly explained in advance.
- Renee Y
Patient Review
This was the greatest experience I've ever had with a dentist and his office I felt great instead of hurting, keep up the great job.
- Patricia A
Patient Review
What a wonderful office!
- A K
Patient Review
This was the easiest surgery. Also the nurse that did my IV was amazing. Didn't feel a thing. My recovery was also minimal.
- Mallory M
Patient Review
Dr. Rendulich was great and his staff was amazing as well! We knew what to expect every bit of the way! Dr. R has a great bedside manner, he puts the parents and kids at ease so you feel calm on the day of the procedure! 5 stars all the way!
- Christie S
Patient Review
Highly recommend
- Anonymous
Patient Review
Both kids had wisdom teeth out, and one also had an implant. Neither child had any swelling or pain afterwards. It was amazing! Also, the office called to check on them several times. The implant was tricky, and Dr. Rendulich did it perfectly. Also, everyone in the office is so kind and caring, and we never had to wait long for an appointment or in the waiting room. We would definitely recommend him and his team.
- Meredith H
Patient Review
Thank you for taking such great care of Heather! I was very nervous because we had never been to this practice before. As her Mom, I am always concerned about encountering medical professionals who may not be LGBT affirming. Thank you for treating my daughter with dignity and respect.
- Heather D
Patient Review
wonderful experience!
- stan p
Patient Review
Overall, my experience with Dr. Rendulich and his staff was excellent. I would highly recommend his office to anyone. The front desk personnel and nurses were incredibly friendly, personable, professional, and kind. Dr. Rendulich was very knowledgeable and easy going, and I felt very safe under his care. The procedure went smoothly, and I barely had any swelling pain or bruising following my wisdom teeth removal. I decided to go here because of the great reviews I had read, and now I see why they were so positive!
- Autumn P
Patient Review
Great experience
- Anonymous
Patient Review
Great doctor and staff!!! No issues and was pleased with the follow up call to check on the kids! Would definitely recommend to anyone needing his services!
- Jen S
Patient Review
Great staff and great doctor
- Anonymous
Patient Review
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Rendulich. Dr. Rendulich is obviously a skilled surgeon, and he is also a responsible, patient, informed, trustworthy, and kind healthcare provider. After researching and meeting with different oral surgeons of the region, I chose Dr. Rendulich to remove three wisdom teeth. Before I met Dr. Rendulich, I was very anxious about this surgery for a number of reasons. Not only was this my first real surgery but I had also never been under general anesthesia and had never had an IV. I am 37, and because of the size of my teeth and the placement of my nerves, it was a riskier surgery than many wisdom tooth extractions. I have had bad experiences in the past with doctors pressuring me to remove teeth who hadn’t paid attention to the particular risks involved in my case. When having parts of your body removed, the last thing you want is to suspect that your doctor might be willing to put you at unnecessary risk to perform unnecessary surgeries in order to make money. In contrast, I completely trust Dr. Rendulich, who spent a good deal of time talking to me, examining me, and looking over my x-rays. He never pressured me, and he patiently answered all of my questions while I was coming to a decision. He is up to date on the relevant research and was able to explain to me the risks of leaving in versus taking out different teeth. The price ended up being comparable to other surgeons I had researched, but I had decided that I trusted him so much more than the other surgeons that I had chosen him even when I thought it might cost more. Dr. Rendulich and his team made the experience as positive as possible—I felt cared for and in good hands. I also received excellent post operative care.
- Sarah L
Patient Review
Everyone at the office was so friendly and nice! My tooth extraction was so easy (for me) and pain free. I would definitely recommend this practice!!
- Anonymous