Wisdom Teeth Extraction
When you present to our office for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from the removal of your wisdom teeth a panoramic radiograph or X-ray will be obtained followed by a clinical examination.
Should all wisdom teeth be removed?
Not all wisdom teeth should be removed. Third molars in a normal position can be used to chew and are not extracted except for obvious dental reasons such as cavities that cannot be filled or otherwise untreatable gum disease. When wisdom teeth are blocked from erupting into their normal position they are called impacted.
When should impacted wisdom teeth be removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before they become infected. (Healing will be better after surgery if the tissues are not diseased.) The best time to remove the wisdom tooth is when the root is half formed. This usually occurs by the late teens. At this stage of development the tooth is able to be removed with the first complications.
Is every impacted wisdom tooth removed?
If an impacted wisdom tooth has been in the mouth of a person fifty years old and shows no signs of disease on x-ray and no signs of infection in the mouth, there is a good chance this tooth will not cause a problem in the future. The tooth should be x-rayed and checked periodically by your dentist for any of the problems that can develop with wisdom teeth. Most all wisdom teeth that are impacted in a young person should be extracted. As people get older the decision to remove an impact wisdom tooth depends on individual circumstances.
There are 4 classifications of wisdom teeth:
- Erupted: through the soft tissue and visible in the oral cavity
- Soft tissue impacted: There is inadequate room for proper eruption and soft tissue remains over the tooth
- Partial bony impacted: There is inadequate room for proper eruption and soft tissue and some bone remain over the tooth
- Complete bony impacted: There is no room for the tooth to erupt and the tooth is completely encased within bone or requires more involved surgical procedures for removal.
What to expect on the day of surgery.
Most people who present for the removal of their wisdom teeth prefer to be sedated or asleep for the procedure. Our practice utilizes modern anesthesia equipment and a well-trained surgical staff to assure a safe and comfortable experience.
On the day of your procedure, we ask that a parent or responsible adult be present with you and stay in the office until you are discharged. The procedure typically takes between 30-60 minutes to complete. Careful technique and improved medications result in minimal postoperative swelling and pain and promote rapid healing.
We ask that you review our preoperative surgical instructions in order to provide you with the most comfortable and safe anesthesia possible.