Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure. While every patient is different, they can usually expect the procedure to last between one and two hours and resume their normal activities in just a few days.
Oral Exam
Your first appointment will consist of a consultation and a thorough oral evaluation. One of our oral surgeons will review your health history and create a treatment plan if you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal. Additional scans, if any, may also be taken at this appointment. There will be time to ask any questions you have about your upcoming procedure. Pre- and post-operative instructions will be given to you to take home.
Anesthesia Options
Your anesthesia options will be discussed and selected during your consultation appointment. Factors such as medical history and personal preference will be considered when selecting the right anesthesia option for you. For wisdom teeth removal, a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia is a popular choice. You can learn more about the types of anesthesia we offer by browsing our Anesthesia options page.
Surgical Procedure
Your procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia. Then, your oral surgeon will expose the wisdom tooth by making an incision through the gums. The tooth may be broken into pieces for easier removal. Once the tooth has been removed, the surgical sites are closed, and you will rest comfortably in one of our state-of-the-art surgical suites until the anesthesia wears off.
A note to our IV sedation patients: a responsible adult MUST be present to drive you to and from your surgical appointment. Until the anesthesia has worn off completely, they must also be able to monitor you at home.
After Surgery
We will do everything that we can to ensure you have a smooth recovery. Pre- and post-operative instructions will be given to you at your consultation appointment. It is important that you follow these instructions to optimize your recovery. Most patients require a diet of soft foods in the days following their wisdom teeth removal procedure. Make sure to keep your surgical sites clean so they can heal properly. If you have any questions, please contact our office. We will be happy to assist you.
