Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth extractions vary in complexity and are typically performed by an oral surgeon.
Third-Molar Extractions
A third-molar extraction — commonly known as a “wisdom tooth” — is a surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist that removes one or more wisdom teeth. If your wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to grow or has other problems resulting in pain, infection or other dental problems, you'll probably need to have it extracted.
Third molars (wisdom teeth) are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.
Wisdom teeth extractions vary in complexity and can involve multiple procedures.
A panoramic x-ray or CT Scan may be required in order to assess the position of the tooth and any nerve interaction.
Surgical Extractions are tooth removal procedures in which surgical access is required to completely remove a tooth. Even if the tooth is visible in the mouth without surgically exposing it, surgical techniques may be necessary to remove the tooth.
Partial-Bony and Completely-Bony Extractions are performed to remove wisdom teeth that do not erupt through the gumline, and instead remain trapped (or, impacted) beneath the bone in the jaw. To remove impacted wisdom teeth, teeth may be surgically divided and removed in sections.
Socket Preservation is a bone grafting procedure that is performed at the same time of extraction. A bone graft is completed by layering a bone material into the pocket where the tooth once existed. The goal of a socket preservation graft is to improve the healing of the extraction site and preserve the jaw bone.
For post-operative instructions or questions about a recent procedure, click here.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation helps reduce anxiety, discomfort, and pain during certain procedures. This is accomplished with medications and (sometimes) local anesthesia to induce relaxation.
Conscious sedation is commonly used in dentistry for people who feel anxious or panicked during complex procedures. In the past, conscious sedation has been called twilight sleep, happy gas and laughing gas.
Under conscious sedation, you are mostly awake for the procedure. It may be administered by inhaling gas through a mask (nitrous oxide) or by taking a pill. The effects of conscious sedation may be minimal or moderate:
Minimal effects feel like you’re relaxed but fully conscious and responsive
Moderate effects feel like you’re sleepy and may lose consciousness, but you’re still somewhat responsive
If you are interested in conscious sedation for your next dental procedure, please ask your provider at your next visit.