Wisdom Tooth Removal

By the age 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last the to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventaully cause an infection. The result can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Removal of wisdom teeth

Patients typically have their wisdom teeth removed using local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) oral or “moderate” IV sedation. These options as well as the surgical risks will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in anesthesia techniques and emergency procedures.

You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your post-operative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, extra gauze, ice wrap and a follow-up appointment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (860)464-7204.