I am Dr Scott the founder and a dentist at Summits We are your comprehensive all in one place local dental and orthodontics
You are a valued part of our local community, and as such, I want to personally invite you to see what all the smiles are about (see why over 1,200 clients smiling on Google reviews)
Summit is more than your neighborhood dental and orthodontics; we are on a mission to increase happiness and joy in our community
Did you know there’s a science to smiling?
Smiling triggers a cascade of chemical reactions in the brain, releasing dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin (the feel-good drugs that are natural pain relievers and mood lifters.) Go ahead, give it a try right now! And smiling is contagious, seeing someone smile activates the mirror neurons in our brains prompting us to mirror the expression
Smiling influences perceptions of others and is associated with attributes like attractiveness, reliability, and relaxation, enhancing social connections It’s your superpower when you use it!
Join the movement we are creating and bring more joy and happiness to your family and the neighborhood in Layton!
Together, let’s make our community the friendliest and happiest in the state!
We offer FREE orthodontic consultations with our board-certified orthodontist.
Learn how simple it is to switch (we rarely need prior dental records) and how super easy it is to book everything in one place (From Dentail to Ortho and more)
Let's get you smiling and booked for a first visit! It’s easy!
Book now online: www mysummitdental com or 801-547-8800
PS follow us on social to see more about our movement to making Utah the friendliest and happiest in the state with the biggest smiles!
Smile More!
Dr. Scott Neil
what our patients think
My son had his wisdom teeth removed here and the staff was incredible. They made the process easy and pain-free. Highly recommend for anyone needing dental work.
Jacob T
Had all four wisdom teeth removed at Summit Dental. The team was professional and made me feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Recovery was smooth thanks to their aftercare instructions.
Ashley M
what wisdom teeth are and their typical development
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars located in the back corners of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth - two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. They typically begin to develop in the jawbone around ages 7 to 10 and may start to erupt through the gums in early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. The most common age for wisdom tooth removal is between 14 and 17 years old, before the roots have completely formed.
why it's essential to monitor and possibly remove wisdom
teeth
While a few individuals have sufficient space in their jaws for wisdom teeth to erupt without issues, experience complications due to lack of space or improper alignment. Common problems associated with wisdom teeth include:
Impaction: Wisdom teeth may become impacted if they are unable to fully emerge through the gums. This can lead to pain and damage to adjacent teeth.
Crowding: Many patients are concerned that wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and misalignment of the existing teeth, undoing the effects of prior orthodontic treatment. Although this is not fully supported in the scientific literature, it can be a concern for some.
Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a pathway for bacteria to enter around the tooth, leading to gum disease, infection, and swelling.
Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, the sacs that form around impacted wisdom teeth can develop into cysts, which can damage the roots of nearby teeth or even the jawbone itself.
monitoring and removal
Regular dental visits and panoramic x-rays help monitor the development and position of wisdom teeth. Early detection of potential issues allows for proactive treatment planning, which may include the removal of wisdom teeth before they cause problems.
Removing wisdom teeth at the ideal age can be beneficial for several reasons:
Reduced Risk of Complications: Younger patients generally experience fewer complications during and after wisdom tooth extraction. The roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, and the surrounding bone is softer, making the extraction easier and less traumatic.
Faster Healing: Younger individuals tend to heal faster and more predictably. The recovery period is often shorter, and the body can more efficiently manage the healing process compared to older adults.
Preventing Future Problems: Removing wisdom teeth as a preventive measure can avoid potential issues later in life. These issues include impaction, infection, cyst formation, and damage to adjacent teeth.. The risk of these complications can increase with age.
Lower Risk of Paresthesia: As people age, the risk of nerve damage during wisdom tooth extraction increases, particularly the risk of paresthesia (numbness due to nerve damage). Extracting wisdom teeth at a younger age can reduce this risk since the nerves are less likely to be compromised.
Sedation Considerations: young patients generally tolerate anesthesia and sedation better
benefits of wisdom teeth removal
how removal can prevent future dental issues
Reduce Risk of Oral Diseases:
Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can thrive, leading to gum disease, cavities, and infections. Removal reduces the risk of these oral health issues.
Prevent Pain and Discomfort:
Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort as they try to erupt through the gums. Extracting them can alleviate this discomfort and prevent further pain.
Avoid Cysts and Tumors:
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Removal can help prevent these potential complications.
Prevent Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
Wisdom teeth can press against the adjacent molars, causing damage or increasing the risk of decay and gum disease in these teeth. Extraction can prevent this from happening.
Improve Functionality:
By removing wisdom teeth, there is less chance of having teeth that don’t fully erupt or come in at the wrong angle, which can affect your bite and chewing ability.
Ease of Future Dental Procedures:
Future dental procedures, such as orthodontic treatments or the fitting of dentures, are easier and more effective without the complications posed by wisdom teeth.
improved overall oral hygiene and health
Enhance Oral Hygiene: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them hard to clean properly Their removal can improve oral hygiene by eliminating difficult-to-reach areas where plaque and bacteria can accumulate
Lower Risk of Dental Complications: Eliminating problematic wisdom teeth lowers the overall risk of future dental complications, ensuring long-term oral health and wellbeing
Pain Relief: Alleviation of Chronic Pain and Discomfort
Relief from Pain: Wisdom teeth can cause chronic pain, discomfort, and headaches, especially when they are impacted or erupt improperly Removal can alleviate these symptoms and improve quality of life
Preventative Treatment: Removing wisdom teeth proactively, before they cause significant discomfort or damage, ensures a smoother recovery and reduces the likelihood of emergency dental visits in the future
the procedure
surgical process: step-by-step explanation of the extraction process
Preparation: Before the procedure begins, your dentist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns. They may take X-rays to visualize the position of the wisdom teeth.
Anesthesia: Depending on your preference and the complexity of the extraction, your dentist may recommend local anesthesia, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation to help you relax and ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Extraction:The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and bone. If the tooth is impacted, they may need to remove bone around the tooth or divide it into sections for easier removal.
Closure: Once the tooth is extracted, the surgical site may be stitched closed to promote healing. These stitches are usually dissolvable and do not require removal
Post-Operative Care:After the procedure, you'll be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications You will receive instructions on post-operative care and what to expect during recovery
the recovery
recovery tips: post-surgery care, including diet, rest, and pain management
Diet: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soups, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could dislodge blood clots or irritate the extraction site. Avoid seeds or chips that can lodge itself in the socket and cause possible infection. Eating the right foods and resting your chewing muscles during the first two days will help you recover the quickest.
Rest: Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting that could increase bleeding or discomfort.
Pain Management: Your dentist will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Apply ice packs to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day starting 24 hours after surgery Brush your teeth carefully but avoid the extraction site
Follow-Up: Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dentist or surgeon to monitor healing and remove ecessary
anesthesia
anesthesia options: different types of anesthesia used for Comfort
Local Anesthesia: Numbs remain awake during the p This is most commonly do that is erupted
Sedation: The most comm administered through an IV you relax and may induce the procedure
NItrous Oxide: Also know option to help with anxiety comfortable This is genera tooth IV sedation
our unique difference
At our dental practice, we prioritize your comfort and care during every step of your wisdom teeth extraction.
Here’s what sets us apart:
3D X-ray capabilities
This advanced imaging ability provides a comprehensive view of your jaw and teeth, ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment planning. It enhances safety and accuracy, allowing for a smoother and more efficient extraction process.
Sedation Therapy for Comfort
We offer various sedation options to ensure you feel relaxed and at ease throughout your procedure. Whether you prefer minimal sedation to reduce anxiety or deeper sedation for complex extractions, your comfort is our priority.
Private Room for Comfort
Rest assured in our private recovery rooms designed to provide a tranquil and peaceful environment. We understand the importance of privacy and comfort during your recovery process.
Post-Op Instructions via Video
Our innovative approach includes providing post-operative instructions via video format. This allows you to access detailed care instructions at your convenience, ensuring you feel confident and informed about your recovery process.
Exceptional Post-op Care
We’re here for you every step of the way. Unlike many clinics, we ensure immediate and convenient post op support. We have a team of dental professionals available to support you thru the healing process. Although rarely needed, our team is on-call and available to see you or answer any questions or concerns you may have post-surgery, providing peace of mind and prompt assistance.