Wisdom Teeth Extractions

How does this differ from “extractions” which means difficult surgical removal of impacted unerupted wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth can be extracted or surgically removed, it all depends on if they have erupted or not. First of all, wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that erupt, typically from age 18 to 22. There have been many cases where they appear in later ages of life, 30, 40, even at 50 years! But what happens if they don’t erupt? Unerupted wisdom teeth can go either way, they can remain asymptomatic or, more likely, cause problems that require their removal.

Due to their position, most common symptoms include discomfort and pain in whole molar segment that even extends towards the ear. If they are rotated towards adjacent teeth, they tend to pressure them thus migrating whole segment forward, making front teeth crowded.

When tooth is erupted and visible in the mouth all it takes is some local anesthesia and forceps to pull it out. But if it’s not erupted it demands a different approach, surgical. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a routine procedure, done in about 20 minutes if there are no complications. It differs from extractions because it involves procedures like incision, raising a flap, working with bone tissue, stitching, etc.

Procedure is fairly simple. For providing an approach, small cut in gums is made and bone tissue is reduced until tooth becomes visible and accessible. Depending on shape, size and position of the tooth, it goes out in one piece or it’s divided into sections and removed in multiple pieces. After removal, site is cleaned, gums are positioned back in place and stitches are placed.

It’s always painless, patient can choose between local anesthesia or sedation. It can even be performed in general anesthesia, but that’s for special situations.