Wisdom Teeth | Albuquerque NM

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”

Wisdom Tooth Pain or Crowding? Dr. Tuggle offers special package pricing for surgery and sedation, ask us about our LOBO Package today. Call us at D. Eric Tuggle, D.D.S. Phone Number 505-291-9600.

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth, usually, resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Tuggle can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Tuggle has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.

Removal

In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or IV sedation/General Anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at D. Eric Tuggle, D.D.S. Phone Number 505-291-9600.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

For more information about Wisdom Teeth or to schedule your new patient visit with Dr. Tuggle, call our office in Albuquerque, NM at D. Eric Tuggle, D.D.S. Phone Number 505-291-9600.

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D. Eric Tuggle, D.D.S.

5 out of 5 stars based on 8 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Review by Maria A

Such an awesome experience! I was super scared of going in to take out my wisdom teeth! But they helped ease it down very friendly and went straight to the point answered any questions I had! I was in and out within and hour!! No pain after no swelling!! Over all best dental experience I’ve ever had!! THANK YOU Dr, Tuggle and staff! 🤍

- Maria A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Chan U

Had a great visit with Sandia Oral Surgery on April 30, 2018 at 2 pm for my initial consultation. Everything went well, I was well briefed by the oral surgeon and his staff with prescriptions and preparations prior to my oral surgery. He was able to schedule me in the very next morning May 1, 2018 at 10:30 am. Great service, great Oral surgeon and staff, highly recommended.

- Chan U

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by M A

Highly recommend Sandia Oral Surgery. Everyone from the front desk to the doctor and inbetween were wonderful. Very courteous and helpful. Answered all questions and explained everything.

- M A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jacob G

I had a wonderful experience, everything went well.

- Jacob G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Brooke S

Staff was great, very helpful getting my appointment scheduled quickly, as I was in pain. From the time I arrived at the office until I was helped into my car (since I was pretty out of it) was about an hour n a half. Overall great experience, for having to have wisdom teeth pulled >.< the staff and Dr are all amazing!!

- Brooke S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kyle S

I would recommend this office to anyone that needs oral surgery, very fast and nice, and helpful

- Kyle S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Natalie G

Sandia Oral Surgery offers a super plush and comfortable waiting area, as well as quick service and ease of treatment. Dr. Tuggle and his team honored my particular requests for anesthesia, and were diligent in answering any questions I had before and after my wisdom tooth extraction. I felt assured I would be seen immediately if any post-surgical complications occurred. All in all, the entire procedure was comforting and expeditious. I'll certainly be recommending this office to friends in the future!

- Natalie G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Marcia L

Had my bottom wisdom teeth pulled out in 30 minutes over 24 hours ago. I have not had to take any pain meds at all.

- Marcia L

5 out of 5 stars on