Why Summer is the Strategic Choice for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Summer break lets teens and young adults plan wisdom teeth removal and heal before school, sports, and other activities start. By scheduling this procedure between school, your teen can recover fully without missing classes, sports, or activities. At Facial Designs, P.A., we make this common procedure safe and supportive for parents and patients.
Expert Surgical Care You Can Trust at Facial Designs
Choosing the right provider for wisdom teeth removal is essential for ensuring a predictable result. Dr. VanSurksum is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He has performed more than 100,000 wisdom teeth removals! His residency training and extensive experience in oral surgery enable him to handle complex extractions with skill and care.
The Results at a Glance
- Dr. VanSurksum has been removing wisdom teeth since 1990
- Board Certified Oral Surgeon Since 2003
- Spent 6 Years as a Full-Scope General Dentist
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Require Removal?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last permanent teeth to come in. They usually appear in the late teen years.
While some patients have enough space for these molars, most people have problems as they start to erupt. Because the jaw often does not have enough room, wisdom teeth can become impacted. This means they stay trapped under the gum line. They may also grow at an angle, damaging nearby teeth.
Dr. VanSurksum recommends removal for several critical reasons:
Preventing Crowding
Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of line. This may cause pain or undo years of costly orthodontic work.
Avoiding Infection
When wisdom teeth are impacted or only partly emerge, they can trap bacteria and debris. This raises the risk of infection, inflammation, and gum disease.
Infection and decay in wisdom teeth also damage neighboring teeth causing their eventual damage and loss.
Protecting Your Jaw
If not treated, impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts. These cysts may damage the jawbone or nearby tooth roots. This can lead to more complex surgery later.
By removing wisdom teeth over summer break, you can help your student avoid sudden dental pain and potential oral health issues once classes resume.
Hospital-Level Safety in a Comfortable Setting
Safety is our highest priority, which is why our practice is a Category 1 Anesthesia Facility. This designation means that we provide hospital-level safety standards for every patient.
Our surgical suites have advanced vital sign monitors. We have a licensed RN on staff who is ACLS- and DAANCE-certified. She monitors patient vital signs and ensures patient safety and comfort. We utilize Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists when indicated to provide the highest level of anesthesia care available in an office setting. All surgical assistants are BLS and DAANCE certified.
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) – The Healing Booster for Faster Recovery
To help students return to summer activities fast, Dr. VanSurksum at Facial Designs uses Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF). This advanced healing technology uses the patient’s own natural healing factors to accelerate the recovery process and significantly reduce postoperative pain.
By using PRF, we can boost the body’s natural healing. This makes complications like dry sockets and infection much less likely.
How PRF Works
PRF begins with a simple blood draw performed at the time of your procedure. We spin the blood sample in a special centrifuge to concentrate platelets, fibrin, and growth factors. Then we place this healing material directly into the treatment area.
Because PRF is derived entirely from your own blood, it works in harmony with your body’s natural healing response. The concentrated growth factors help promote tissue repair, support bone regeneration, and reduce inflammation during recovery.
What Does the Recovery Timeline Look Like?
Every patient heals at a different pace. But knowing the usual recovery process can help you feel ready for your procedure.
The First 24-48 Hours
Mild swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding are common immediately after surgery. During this time, your body begins forming a protective blood clot at the treatment site, an important first step in the healing process. Rest, hydration, and following your post-operative instructions are key to a smooth recovery.
Days 3-4
Swelling and discomfort may reach their peak before gradually improving. Many patients notice some jaw stiffness during this stage, but can typically manage symptoms with prescribed or recommended medications and cold compresses.
Days 5-7
Most patients begin to feel more like themselves and can return to many of their normal daily activities. While the surgical area continues to heal beneath the surface, discomfort and swelling are often significantly reduced.
The Weeks Ahead
Although initial recovery occurs within the first week, complete healing of the gums and underlying bone takes additional time. Attending follow-up appointments and following your dentist’s instructions will help ensure the best possible outcome.
By carefully following your post-op care guidelines, you can heal well and lower the risk of problems.
A Supportive Experience for Every Patient
We understand that the thought of oral surgery can cause significant anxiety for teenagers and their parents. We provide a compassionate, judgment-free environment and ensure every question is answered.
Our commitment to this patient-first approach is reflected in the experience of mothers like Cathy M., who shared:
"My 16-year-old special needs son's wisdom teeth were making their appearance and needed removal. Referred to Facial Designs, P.A., and could not have asked for a better experience. The staff was truly remarkable! They explained everything they were doing and made sure he was comfortable, considering how nervous and anxious he was. Really a professional group!"
Financial Support for Wisdom Teeth in Minneapolis, MN
We believe that high-quality specialist care should be accessible. At Facial Designs, P.A., we practice transparency by providing all-inclusive estimates with no hidden fees or surprises.
We understand most insurance companies offer limited coverage for these procedures. We work with you to find the best financial solution. As an open-access provider, we submit claims to most insurance plans. We also offer a 10% courtesy discount to help keep care affordable.
Plan Your Summer Transformation
If your student is home for summer break, now is the best time to focus on oral health. It can also help you avoid a mid-semester emergency. During your teen’s next checkup, ask your dentist for a referral to Dr. VanSurksum. This helps ensure they get the specialized care they deserve.
We work closely with over 175 dentists across Minnesota. They refer patients to us. We make the transition from your family’s dental office to our Category 1 anesthesia facility smooth. Read more about how a referral for wisdom teeth removal works.
Contact us today to schedule your wisdom teeth removal with Dr. VanSurksum, a board-certified oral surgeon, serving Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro with two locations in Minnetonka and Excelsior, MN.
Glossary of Financial & Clinical Terms
- Board-Certified Oral Surgeon: A surgeon with advanced, hospital-based training specializing in the surgery of the mouth and jaws.
- Wisdom Teeth: Third molars that often require surgical removal during the teenage or young adult years to prevent pain and crowding; summer break is considered a strategic recovery window for this milestone.
- Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): An advanced healing technology using the patient’s own natural healing factors to accelerate recovery, reduce postoperative pain, and significantly lower the risk of complications like dry sockets.
- Category 1 Anesthesia: The highest safety designation in accordance with NFPA 99 standards for high-risk, outpatient, or dental facilities where general anesthesia or deep sedation is administered.
