Wisdom Teeth Removal in Flat Rock
Wisdom teeth usually make themselves known between the late teens and mid-twenties, and they rarely arrive quietly. These third molars sit at the very back of the jaw, where there is often not enough room for them to come in straight. When they press against neighboring molars, stay trapped under the gums, or erupt only partway, they can cause pain, swelling, infection, crowding, and decay that is hard to clean and even harder to restore. For Flat Rock patients, we handle this evaluation and the surgery itself at our Woodhaven office at 22500 Allen Rd., so there is no separate referral to chase down.
Removing a wisdom tooth means taking out a third molar that is impacted, poorly positioned, or likely to cause problems in the future. Depending on how the tooth has developed, the procedure may be a simple extraction of a fully erupted tooth or a surgical extraction, which involves a small incision in the gum and sometimes removing the tooth in sections so the surrounding bone and nerves are disturbed as little as possible. Both approaches are part of the oral surgery we provide in house.
Not every wisdom tooth has to come out. Some people have enough jaw space, and their third molars erupt upright and stay clean. We look at the whole picture: your X-rays, the angle and depth of each tooth, your ability to reach them with a brush, any history of swelling or gum infection, and whether the teeth threaten orthodontic results. Because we also provide braces and Invisalign, we often coordinate wisdom tooth decisions with ongoing or completed orthodontic care rather than treating them as separate conversations.
Your first visit begins with an exam and imaging so we can see root shapes, sinus proximity, and nerve position before anything is planned. We offer a complimentary consultation, which gives Flat Rock patients a low-pressure way to find out whether removal is recommended now, later, or not at all. If surgery makes sense, we walk through what will be done for each tooth, how long it should take, what anesthesia or sedation options fit you, and what recovery realistically looks like.
Comfort is planned, not improvised. Along with local anesthetic, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation for patients who feel anxious or who are having several teeth removed at once. Our comfort menu — blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix and refreshments — is available during your appointment. Se habla español, and we treat patients of all ages, including teens and children with special healthcare needs.
What to Expect During and After Surgery
On the day of the procedure, the area is thoroughly numbed before we begin. Erupted teeth are loosened and lifted out; impacted teeth are reached through a small gum opening, sectioned if needed, and removed, after which the site is cleaned and closed. If bone support needs reinforcement for future implant placement or healing, bone grafting can be done at the same visit.
Recovery is usually measured in days, with the first 48 hours being the most important.
- Bite gently on gauze and rest with your head slightly elevated to control bleeding
- Use cold compresses on the cheek the first day to limit swelling
- Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing so the clot stays in place
- Take medications exactly as directed and keep the rest of your mouth clean
- Call us if pain worsens after a few days, swelling increases, or you develop a fever
We will see you for follow-up to check healing and remove sutures if needed. Because we offer emergency dental appointments, Flat Rock patients who develop a problem after hours or over a weekend are not left guessing where to turn.
Paying for Treatment Without Guesswork
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and will run a complimentary insurance benefits check before surgery, so you know what your plan covers. Our oral surgery services are filed as a general practitioner, and we accept patients without a referral. Self-pay and cash patients are welcome, and we take cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
If you do not have insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 a year for patients 17 and under. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings and two fluoride treatments at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment, and there is no annual maximum, deductible, waiting period, or pre-authorization. CareCredit financing is also available to spread payments over time.
Care From a Team That Knows Your Family
Our practice includes five doctors — general dentists, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist, and a board-certified orthodontist — led by Dr. Ghannam, who earned his DDS from the University of Michigan in 1985. That range matters when wisdom teeth overlap with orthodontics, restorative needs, or an unusual finding that deserves a closer look.
Flat Rock families often come to us for cleanings, fillings, braces, implants and dentures, and wisdom teeth removal simply becomes one more step handled by people who already know the patient. Having an on-site dental lab means appliances and restorations connected to your care can be made, adjusted or repaired here as well. Call our Woodhaven office to schedule a consultation and find out where you stand.