Monitoring Healthy Teeth
If a tooth is healthy and easy to keep clean, it can often stay. Your dentist watches it at regular checkups.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Ryan Chaliff checks your wisdom teeth, tells you whether they need to come out, and removes them in our Dunwoody office with sedation options on site. Our office is in Dunwoody, serving patients throughout Atlanta.
TOOTH POSITION & YOUR HEALTH
Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of your mouth. Some come in fully, some only partway, and some stay stuck under the gum or bone. Where yours sit decides what, if anything, needs to happen.
Position & Room
An X-ray shows the angle of each tooth, the bone around it, and whether it is pushing on the molar next to it.
Symptoms & Oral Health
Tell Dr. Chaliff about any soreness, swelling, food getting stuck, or past infections. A tooth can cause problems even when it does not hurt.
One possible impacted wisdom-tooth position. Educational illustration.
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UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Dr. Chaliff looks at each one and tells you whether to remove it now or keep an eye on it.
Removing Problem Teeth
Removal usually makes sense when a tooth keeps getting infected, has decay that cannot be fixed, or is damaging the tooth next to it.
Planning for Complex Positions
Some impacted teeth sit close to a nerve. When that happens, Dr. Chaliff may order a 3D scan and adjust the approach to protect it.
AT YOUR CONSULTATION
Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
Your Examination & Imaging
Bring your referral and any X-rays you have. Dr. Chaliff checks the position of each tooth and the health of your gums, and lets you know if he needs another image.
Your Health & Priorities
Tell us about your medications, allergies, and any past experience with anesthesia. If you need to plan around school, work, or a trip, mention it before we set a surgery date.
YOUR CARE, STEP BY STEP
From Evaluation to Recovery
Here is how most wisdom teeth cases go, from the first visit to full recovery.
01
Evaluate Each Tooth
Dr. Chaliff reviews your symptoms and X-rays and tells you which teeth should come out and which can stay.
02
Agree on Your Plan
You choose an anesthesia option, get a cost estimate, and set up a ride home for surgery day.
03
Procedure & Early Care
The teeth are removed in our office. You rest in recovery for a bit, then head home with written instructions.
04
Recovery & Follow-Up
Most people feel much better within a week. You have our number if anything seems off, and we schedule a follow-up if needed.
COMFORT & PREPARATION
Anesthesia for Your Procedure
Dr. Chaliff offers IV sedation and general anesthesia right here in the office. He recommends the option that fits your health and the surgery, and you get clear prep instructions for it.
Explore Anesthesia Options ↗
Plan ahead for eating and resting after your procedure.
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AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
Plan Your Wisdom Teeth Recovery
Line up a ride and someone to help at home for the first day. Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes before surgery.
Protect the Healing Area
Follow your instructions for eating, rinsing, and activity. Do not smoke or use a straw while you heal, since both can pull the blood clot loose.
Know When to Call
Call for worsening pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or swelling that is getting worse. Difficulty breathing or swallowing needs emergency help.
MEET YOUR ORAL SURGEON
Meet Dr. Chaliff ↗
Meet Dr. Ryan Chaliff
Dr. Ryan Chaliff grew up a few minutes from the office. After training at Columbia and Vanderbilt, he came home to open his practice in Dunwoody.
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Columbia University DDS
Vanderbilt University MD & Six-Year Surgical Residency, Chief Resident
PREPARE FOR YOUR CONSULTATION
Preparing for Your Consultation
Call the office and we will tell you exactly what to bring. You will also get written preparation and recovery instructions for your procedure and anesthesia.
Patient Instructions ↗Your Visit Checklist
01
Referral and relevant dental records, if available
02
Any relevant imaging you have been asked to bring
03
Current medications and health-history information
04
Insurance information and questions about payment
COSTS & COORDINATION
Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs & Your Estimate
Your cost depends on how many teeth come out, how impacted they are, and the anesthesia you choose. We will walk you through the estimate and check your benefits before surgery.
Bring your insurance card to your consultation so we can answer payment questions before you schedule.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Wisdom Teeth Removal Questions
Does Every Wisdom Tooth Need to Be Removed?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that are easy to clean can often stay. Dr. Chaliff will tell you which of yours should come out and why.
Can an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Cause Problems Without Pain?
Yes. Decay, gum problems, or damage to the next tooth can show up on an X-ray long before you feel anything.
Will I Need IV Sedation or General Anesthesia?
Many patients choose IV sedation or general anesthesia, and both are available in our office. Dr. Chaliff will recommend an option based on your health and the surgery.
How Much Time Should I Take Off Work or School?
Most people take two to three days off. If your job is physical, plan for a few more. Dr. Chaliff will give you a better estimate once he sees your X-rays.
What Are the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The main risks are infection, dry socket, bleeding, and injury to nearby teeth or nerves. Dr. Chaliff will tell you which ones apply to your teeth and how he plans around them.
Where Do I Get My Preparation Instructions?
We give you written instructions before your surgery. Follow those over anything you read online, and call 770-274-4742 if you have questions.
General patient education. Your care team provides instructions for your procedure.
Further reading: AAOMS: Monitoring Wisdom Teeth ↗ NHS: Wisdom Tooth Removal ↗
