Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent teeth to form and to move into the mouth. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between 16 to 18 years of age and are fully developed by age 22 or 23. This was assumed to be the "age of wisdom" which is where the term wisdom teeth originated. There are usually four wisdom teeth, located behind each of the 12 year molar teeth. If the jaw bone is long enough, the wisdom teeth will grow in with no resultant problems. Often times, however, the jaws are not long enough and the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt. They become trapped within the jaw bone. These teeth are known as impacted wisdom teeth. Teeth which have partially erupted are also considered to be impacted.
All dental extractions require some type of anesthesia. Prior to surgery, anesthesia options and recommendations will be discussed, and a plan for an appropriate anesthetic technique will be decided upon by you and your surgeon.
Aesthetic techniques used in our office include:
1. Local anesthesia - an injection which numbs or freezes the surgical area
2. Oral premedication - a medication taken by mouth prior to the procedure which helps to relieve anxiety
