If you're experiencing pain from wisdom teeth or your dentist has recommended removal, you might assume you'll need to see an oral surgeon. But at Harrison Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, Dr. Sean Fitzhugh's extensive training in complex tooth extractions—including impacted wisdom teeth—means most patients can have their wisdom teeth removed right here in our office.

Dr. Fitzhugh completed an intensive surgical residency at The Foundry Dental Training Center in Alabama, one of the country's premier facilities for advanced dental surgery training. This specialized education gives him the expertise to handle everything from simple extractions to complicated, fully impacted wisdom teeth that many general dentists refer out.

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Why Choose Harrison Family Dentistry for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Most dental offices refer wisdom teeth cases to oral surgeons, requiring you to visit a separate specialist, often in an unfamiliar office. At Harrison Family Dentistry, we're able to handle nearly all wisdom teeth removals in-house thanks to Dr. Fitzhugh's advanced surgical training.

Dr. Fitzhugh's Specialized Training

Dr. Sean Fitzhugh completed an extensive surgical residency at The Foundry Dental Training Center in Birmingham, Alabama—a premier institution specializing in advanced surgical dentistry. This intensive, hands-on training program goes far beyond standard dental school education and focuses specifically on complex surgical procedures, including:

• Simple extractions
• Surgical extractions
• Impacted wisdom teeth removal
• Bone grafting and surgical site preparation
• Advanced anesthesia techniques
• Complex case management

This specialized training means Dr. Fitzhugh has the skills and experience to handle extractions that would typically require referral to an oral surgeon.

What This Means for You

Convenient, in-house treatment: No need to visit a separate specialist in an unfamiliar office. Your wisdom teeth removal happens right here at Harrison Family Dentistry, where you already know and trust our team.

Expertise you can count on: Dr. Fitzhugh particularly enjoys the technical challenge of impacted wisdom teeth—those that are trapped beneath the gum line or positioned at difficult angles. His extensive training means even complicated cases can often be handled in our office.

Exceptional patient outcomes: Don't just take our word for it—several of our Google reviews specifically mention patients who were "blown away" by Dr. Fitzhugh's skill in removing their wisdom teeth. His gentle technique, precision, and attention to patient comfort set him apart.

Seamless care coordination: Because we handle most extractions in-house, your entire treatment—from consultation to removal to follow-up—happens with the same team you know and trust.

We only refer when necessary: While Dr. Fitzhugh can handle the vast majority of wisdom teeth cases, we maintain excellent relationships with local oral surgeons for the rare complex cases that truly require a specialist's care. Your safety and optimal outcome always come first.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth are your third molars—the last teeth to develop in your mouth. They typically appear between ages 17 and 25, earning the nickname "wisdom teeth" because they emerge when you're presumably wiser than childhood.

Why wisdom teeth often need removal:

Not enough space: Most people's jaws aren't large enough to accommodate four additional molars. When wisdom teeth try to emerge without adequate space, they become impacted—trapped beneath the gum line or against other teeth.

Awkward positioning: Wisdom teeth often grow at angles, sideways, or in positions that make them impossible to clean properly and likely to cause problems for adjacent teeth.

Prone to problems: Even when wisdom teeth do erupt fully, their position at the very back of your mouth makes them extremely difficult to clean, leading to high rates of decay and gum disease.

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Signs You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but certain symptoms indicate it's time to see Dr. Fitzhugh for an evaluation.

Common Warning Signs

Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth: Persistent aching, pressure, or sharp pain near your back molars, especially if it worsens over time.

Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums: Inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth, sometimes with visible redness or bleeding when you brush.

Jaw pain or stiffness: Difficulty opening your mouth fully, pain when chewing, or a feeling that your jaw is "tight" on one side.

Repeated infections: Pericoronitis—infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth—causes pain, swelling, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.

Crowding or shifting teeth: Wisdom teeth pushing on adjacent molars can cause your other teeth to shift, undoing previous orthodontic work.

Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop fluid-filled sacs (cysts) or, very rarely, tumors that damage surrounding bone and tissue.

Bad breath or unpleasant taste: Chronic bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth, especially near your back molars, can indicate decay or infection around wisdom teeth.

Preventive Removal

Even if you're not experiencing symptoms, Dr. Fitzhugh may recommend preventive wisdom teeth removal if:

• X-rays show your wisdom teeth are impacted with no room to erupt properly
• Your wisdom teeth are growing at problematic angles
• You're undergoing orthodontic treatment and removing wisdom teeth will prevent future crowding
• You want to avoid future problems before they start (easier recovery when you're younger)

Preventive removal is often easier and involves faster recovery than waiting until problems develop.

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Types of Wisdom Teeth Impactions

Dr. Fitzhugh evaluates wisdom teeth using digital 3D CBCT X-rays to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned. This advanced imaging shows the complete picture of your wisdom teeth, including their relationship to nerves, sinuses, and adjacent teeth.

Soft Tissue Impaction

The wisdom tooth has erupted through the bone but not through the gum tissue. The tooth is partially visible, but gum tissue still covers part of the crown.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Dr. Fitzhugh's approach: Can typically be removed with local anesthesia; requires incision in gum tissue

Partial Bony Impaction

The tooth has partially erupted, but part of the crown remains trapped below the gum line and embedded in the jawbone.

Difficulty level: Moderate to High

Dr. Fitzhugh's approach: Requires surgical removal involving gum incision and some bone removal

Complete Bony Impaction

The entire tooth remains completely trapped within the jawbone, with no part visible above the gum line.

Difficulty level: High

Dr. Fitzhugh's approach: Most complex type; requires surgical access through gum and bone; Dr. Fitzhugh's specialized training particularly valuable here

Horizontal Impaction

The wisdom tooth is lying on its side, growing horizontally instead of vertically.

Difficulty level: Very High

Dr. Fitzhugh's approach: Often requires sectioning the tooth into pieces for safe removal; Dr. Fitzhugh's expertise essential

No matter what type of impaction you have, Dr. Fitzhugh's specialized surgical training from The Foundry means you're in highly skilled hands.

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The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process at Harrison Family Dentistry

Dr. Fitzhugh's systematic, patient-centered approach ensures comfortable treatment and optimal outcomes.

Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation

We begin with a thorough examination including:

• Digital 3D CBCT X-rays showing the complete position of your wisdom teeth
• Assessment of impaction type and difficulty level
• Evaluation of proximity to nerves and sinuses
• Discussion of your symptoms and concerns
• Review of your medical history

Dr. Fitzhugh explains exactly what he sees on your X-rays, what type of removal you need, and what to expect during and after the procedure.

Step 2: Anesthesia and Sedation Options

We offer multiple options to ensure your complete comfort:

Local anesthesia: Numbing medication injected around the extraction site; you're awake but feel no pain in the treatment area

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Combines with local anesthesia to help you relax while remaining conscious and responsive

Oral sedation: Medication taken before your appointment creates deep relaxation and limited memory of the procedure

IV sedation: Administered through an IV line; you're deeply relaxed or asleep during the procedure with no memory of treatment

Dr. Fitzhugh will recommend the best sedation option based on the complexity of your case and your comfort preferences.

Step 3: The Extraction Procedure

The specific technique depends on your impaction type:

For erupted or partially erupted teeth:

• Local anesthesia and optional sedation administered
• Gum tissue gently separated from the tooth
• Tooth carefully elevated and removed
• Socket cleaned and inspected
• Gauze placed to control bleeding

For impacted teeth:

• Anesthesia and sedation as planned
• Incision made in gum tissue to access the tooth
• Small amount of bone removed if necessary to expose the tooth
• Tooth sectioned into smaller pieces if needed for safe removal
• Tooth carefully extracted in sections
• Socket thoroughly cleaned and smoothed
• Incision closed with dissolvable stitches
• Gauze placed over the site

Dr. Fitzhugh's precision and gentle technique—refined through his intensive training at The Foundry—minimize trauma to surrounding tissue, leading to faster healing and less post-operative discomfort.

Step 4: Recovery Instructions

Before you leave, we provide detailed written and verbal instructions covering:

• Pain management (prescriptions if needed, over-the-counter recommendations)
• Swelling reduction (ice packs, timing, technique)
• Diet progression (soft foods timeline)
• Activity restrictions (when to resume exercise, work, school)
• Oral hygiene (how to keep the area clean without disrupting healing)
• Warning signs that require immediate contact

We're always available by phone if questions arise during your recovery.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

Most patients need only one follow-up visit about a week after surgery. Dr. Fitzhugh checks:

• Healing progress
• Stitch dissolution
• Any signs of complications
• Return to normal function

If any concerns arise during recovery, we see you promptly to address them.

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Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Recovery varies based on the complexity of your extraction, but here's what most patients experience:

First 24 Hours

What to expect:

• Bleeding that gradually subsides (bite on gauze for 30-60 minutes)
• Numbness from local anesthesia (wears off in 2-4 hours)
• Some swelling and discomfort (peaks around day 2-3)
• Tiredness if you had sedation

What to do:

• Rest quietly at home
• Apply ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
• Take pain medication as prescribed
• Eat soft, cool foods (smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, applesauce)
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws (can dislodge blood clots)
• Sleep with your head elevated

Days 2-3

What to expect:

• Swelling peaks (this is normal!)
• Bruising may appear on your jaw or neck
• Discomfort continues but should be manageable with medication
• Stiffness in your jaw

What to do:

• Switch from ice to warm compresses (helps reduce swelling)
• Begin gentle salt water rinses (after 24 hours)
• Continue soft food diet
• Gradually increase activity as you feel able
• Keep taking pain medication as needed

Days 4-7

What to expect:

• Swelling begins to decrease
• Discomfort significantly improves
• Energy returns to normal
• Jaw stiffness eases

What to do:

• Progress to more normal foods as comfortable
• Continue salt water rinses
• Gently resume normal oral hygiene (avoid extraction sites)
• Return to most normal activities

Week 2 and Beyond

What to expect:

• Swelling nearly or completely gone
• Minimal to no discomfort
• Extraction sites healing well
• Return to full normal function

What to do:

• Resume completely normal diet
• Return to full normal oral hygiene
• Attend follow-up appointment
• Resume all normal activities including exercise

Most patients are back to normal activities within 3-5 days, though complete healing of the extraction sites takes several weeks.

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Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Chattanooga

Cost varies based on the complexity of your case:

Simple extraction (fully erupted tooth): $150-$300 per tooth

Surgical extraction (partially impacted): $250-$450 per tooth

Complex surgical extraction (fully impacted): $350-$600 per tooth

Sedation (if chosen): $200-$600 additional, depending on type

Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of wisdom teeth removal, especially when medically necessary. We verify your benefits before treatment and provide a detailed cost estimate.

We also offer flexible payment plans and accept Cherry Financing and other financing options to make treatment affordable.

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Why Remove Wisdom Teeth at a Younger Age?

If removal is inevitable, doing it sooner rather than later offers significant advantages:

Easier Surgery

Younger patients have:

• Less dense bone (easier to remove teeth)
• Roots that haven't fully formed (simpler extraction)
• More flexible bone and tissue (heals faster)

Older patients face:

• Denser, more brittle bone
• Fully formed, longer roots (sometimes curved or hooked)
• More difficult surgical access

Faster Recovery

Younger patients experience:

• Faster healing (better tissue regeneration)
• Less post-operative discomfort
• Quicker return to normal activities

Older patients often have:

• Slower healing
• Increased risk of complications
• Longer recovery period

Prevent Future Problems

Removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems avoids:

• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Bone loss around impacted teeth
• Cyst or tumor formation
• Orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting)
• Repeated infections

Most oral surgeons and dentists, including Dr. Fitzhugh, recommend wisdom teeth evaluation in the late teens or early twenties.

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Common Wisdom Teeth Removal Questions

Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal, but most people do. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, contributing to crowding, or unable to be properly cleaned, removal is typically recommended. Dr. Fitzhugh will evaluate your specific situation and only recommend removal if it's truly necessary.

Will the procedure hurt?

No. With proper anesthesia and optional sedation, you won't feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you'll have some discomfort that's well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report that recovery is easier than they anticipated.

How long does the procedure take?

It depends on the number of teeth and complexity. A single simple extraction might take 15-20 minutes. Removing all four impacted wisdom teeth typically takes 45-90 minutes. Dr. Fitzhugh works efficiently while prioritizing precision and your safety.

What if I'm nervous about the procedure?

We completely understand dental anxiety. That's why we offer multiple sedation options, from nitrous oxide to IV sedation. With the right sedation, you'll feel completely relaxed or even remember nothing about the procedure.

Can I drive myself home?

If you choose only local anesthesia, yes. However, if you use any form of sedation (nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation), you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first few hours.

When can I eat normally again?

You can start with soft foods immediately after your procedure. Most patients progress to more normal foods within 3-5 days and return to a completely normal diet within a week.

What if I develop dry socket?

Dry socket (when the blood clot dislodges from the socket) occurs in about 2-5% of extractions. If it happens, call us immediately. Dr. Fitzhugh can treat it quickly by placing medicated gauze in the socket, providing near-instant pain relief.

Will I have chipmunk cheeks?

Some swelling is normal and typically peaks 2-3 days after surgery. The amount varies based on the complexity of your extraction and your individual healing response. Ice packs and keeping your head elevated minimize swelling.

Do I need someone to stay with me after surgery?

If you have sedation, yes—someone should stay with you for at least the first few hours. If you have only local anesthesia, it's not required but recommended for comfort and assistance.

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What Makes Dr. Fitzhugh's Approach Different

Wisdom teeth removal is a skill that improves dramatically with specialized training and experience. Here's what sets Dr. Fitzhugh apart:

Advanced Surgical Training

Dr. Fitzhugh's residency at The Foundry Dental Training Center provided intensive, hands-on surgical education that goes far beyond typical dental school training. He learned from some of the country's leading oral surgery instructors in a program specifically designed to teach complex extraction techniques.

Genuine Passion for Surgical Dentistry

Dr. Fitzhugh doesn't just perform wisdom teeth extractions—he genuinely enjoys the technical challenge of complex cases, particularly impacted wisdom teeth. This enthusiasm translates to exceptional outcomes for patients.

Proven Track Record

Our Google reviews speak for themselves. Patients consistently mention being "blown away" by Dr. Fitzhugh's skill, gentle technique, and the fact that their recovery was easier than expected. This reputation is earned through hundreds of successful wisdom teeth removals.

Conservative Referral Approach

Because Dr. Fitzhugh can handle nearly all wisdom teeth cases in-house, we only refer when it truly serves your best interest—for example, in extremely rare cases involving complex medical conditions or unusual anatomical situations. You benefit from convenient, in-house care for the vast majority of cases.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Our digital 3D CBCT X-ray system provides a complete three-dimensional view of your wisdom teeth, nerve locations, and surrounding structures. This level of imaging allows Dr. Fitzhugh to plan the safest, most efficient surgical approach for your specific case.

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