Wisdon Tooth Extraction -Before removing a wisdom tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed.  Concious sedaiton/ IV sedation may be used, especially if several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. IV sedation will cause you to sleep through the procedure.  If you are having IV sedation you cannot eat or drink 8 hours prior to your appointment, and you will need a driver to bring you to your appointment. (see pre-op instuctions)

To remove the wisdom tooth, your dentist will open up the gum tissue over the tooth and take out any bone that is covering the tooth. He  will separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and then remove the tooth. Sometimes the dentist will cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.  After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches, which dissolve over time.  A folded cotton gauze pad is placed over the wound to help stop the bleeding.  You may experience discomfort and swelling for a few days.  Antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed to prevent infection, and reduce disscomfort.

Why extract wisdon teeth? A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. When wisdom teeth come in, a number of problems can occur:

  • Your jaw may not be large enough for them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
  • Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can get trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. These are signs of infection.
  • More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or a cyst .
  • One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side