Often, when our wisdom teeth come in, there is simply not enough room and they become impacted. Impacted teeth are not able to fully enter the mouth or break through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause crowding, tooth misalignment or infection.
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended when there are:

• infections and/or periodontal disease;
• cavities that cannot be restored;
• pathologies such as cysts, and tumors, and
• damage to neighboring teeth.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) :

Contact us to schedule a consultation for a wisdom tooth extraction procedure.

While simple procedures and treatments can be utilized to correct some bite or tooth misalignment, jaw misalignment is somewhat more serious and will usually require surgery.This jaw misalignment may be the result of injuries, birth defects or the  upper and lower jaws growing at different rates. Corrective surgery can be used to treat jaw misalignment - a consultation with Dr. Daniel Muff at Reno Oral Surgery should determine whether or not you are a candidate for jaw misalignment surgery. 

From the AAOMS website:


Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

• difficulty chewing, or biting food
• difficulty swallowing
• chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
• excessive wear of the teeth
• open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side
• facial injury or birth defects
• receding chin
• protruding jaw
• inability to make the lips meet without straining
• chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
• sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

​Wisdom teeth are the 18-year molars, or third molars, erupting normally at the age of wisdom. in the majority of cases, the third molars do not have sufficient space in the mouth. For this reason, wisdom teeth are usually removed to either prevent problems. Or to treat existing problems. Like intermittent episodes of inflammation, decay, or the inability to maintain adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth are most predictably removed prior to the age of 20. But prophylactic removal of these teeth is reasonable prior to the age of 30.

​There are many potential complications with the removal of wisdom teeth. Most complications are very rare. The most common complications include soreness and bleeding. also a condition commonly referred to as dry-socket. Dry socket is a condition where the blood clot is lost prematurely 3-5 days after an extraction resulting in painful, exposed bone. There is an office treatment, which can alleviate the pain immediately and easily. The more serious complications, are nerve problems resulting in altered sensation or numbness. These potential problems are discussed in detail prior to proceeding with the treatment.  ​

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Simply put, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental surgeon. They specialize in treating conditions, defects, injuries and esthetic issues of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Their education and training gives them the unique understanding and deft expertise to assist patients with chronic problems, pain or sudden trauma. At Reno Oral Surgery, you can count on Dr. Daniel Muff and his team to deliver a high level of expertise, professionalism and service.

Reno Oral Surgery

Not every dental procedure requires surgery, but when you need the specialized care of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you want the best. Dr. Daniel Muff and his staff are dedicated to delivering you the best possible care, whatever procedure you need. Dr. Muff offers a variety of services, beginning with a one-on-one consultation to assess your needs. Some of the services provided by Reno Oral Surgery include:

• Wisdom Tooth Extraction
• TMJ Treatment
• Anesthesia
• Oral Lesions
• Dental Implants
• Denture Preparation
• Face, Jaw or Dental Reconstruction
• Jaw Alignment

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have other questions about Reno Oral Surgery or services provided by Dr. Daniel Muff.

For more information about oral and maxillofacial surgeons, visit The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website.