Wisdom Teeth Removal in Lake Charles LA
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
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.
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Fisher can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential 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. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
Do You Want Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or you want to avoid future problems, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What if I have questions before surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Lake Charles Office Phone Number 337-478-0468 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.

The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
Lake Charles Oral Surgery Specialists
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It is a blessing to know when needed there such a friendly and professional place to count on. Dr. B. and his staff have always taken great care of me. Thank yall so much.
- Stanley L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was nice and made the experience less scary. Everything was explained in a way that I understood.
- Mykiya N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
On my second day after the extraction of one wisdom tooth, I find that all anxiety I had before surgery has disappeared. I was completely put at ease and quickly given something to relax me. The nurse and other ladies were very kind and friendly. Dr Fisher was attentive in the consultation and the nurse gave me a lot of information. All of this helped to make my experience great.
- Leslie A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The reviews on the website were helpful and reassuring on choosing Dr. Boudreaux. For the consultation, they go through what are wisdom teeth via video (maybe blow up the video on the tv, not the best eyesight haha) and take their time on medical history. Dr. Boudreaux shows what has occurred with the impacted tooth and the necessity on getting it removed. Day of was not nerve-racking and the surgery itself was a breeze. I knew I was in right hands. The check up call with Dr. Boudreaux was amazing just to know what actually happened during the surgery and any follow ups or questions you may need.
- Paulina T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was done in a timely manner very efficient and friendly staff! Dr Fisher is very professional and friendly
- Wendy K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciated the calmness and sensitivity of everyone there. The building itself is very peaceful and relaxing. The staff are experts in treating more sensitive cases.
- Nicole P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Service
- Raymond P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Our severely autistic son had to have his wisdom teeth removed as well as an extraction of an abscessed tooth. The surgery went smoothly without a problem! Dr. Boudreaux and his staff were so thorough, kind and caring. They answered all of my husband and I’s questions and put us at ease. Dr. Boudreaux even called later to check up on our son! Our family would highly recommend his practice!
- Denise F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Knowledgeable and professional staff. Dr Boudreaux was great….great experience overall
- Marcus S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service! Nurse was very very sweet and caring. Dr. Boudreaux was great also! All staff was very kind and helpful!!!
- Lainee L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff is very welcoming from the time you walk in to the time you leave. The ladies prepping me for the procedure made sure I was aware of every step they were taking and made sure I was completely comfortable before moving on to the next thing. Highly recommend to other.
- Haylee M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr boudreaux & staff are the best in the business. Treated myself, as well as all my kids in the past & never disappoint. Doctor is skilled, staff is caring & knowledgeable. Keep up the great work !
- Dickie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Fisher and his staff were top-notch. My son, who attends McNeese State, needed his wisdom teeth pulled; being from Florida, I was not there to handle everything. The office staff was very informative and understanding when we scheduled the appointment. Dr. Fisher and his nurses took great care of my son, and the office manager called to let me know my son was doing well and that the surgery went great. I highly recommend Dr. Fisher's office!
- Anita M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My child had his wisdom teeth removed and the staff was wonderful and Dr. Fisher was fantastic. The whole process was as pleasant as possible.
- Sarah P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Boudreaux and his staff were great!
- Alani T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service! Very welcoming experience.
- Molli M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We have always been pleased with Dr Boudreaux and his staff and today was no exception. We will continue to spread the good news with family and friends.
- Shaylee D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and made me feel comfortable
- Chanel L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied
- Wendy K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Best in lake Charles.
- Mia D