Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. However, most people do not have enough room to accommodate these teeth. As a result, the wisdom teeth can cause crowding, and they may even become impacted. Drs. Allan Libunao and Richard Kim perform all types of wisdom tooth extractions, including complex surgical extractions. We will use advanced panorex x-rays, along with our surgical expertise, to develop your individual treatment plan. If you are anxious about your procedure, we offer nitrous oxide and intravenous (IV) sedation.

Tooth extractions, especially wisdom tooth extractions, are one of the specialty treatments available at Suburban Oral Surgery and Implant Center. Dr. Allan Libunao and Dr. Richard Kim can handle complicated extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth.

We combine sedation methods and advanced techniques to remove problematic teeth as efficiently and painlessly as possible. If you believe you may need a wisdom tooth extraction,  contact our office to schedule your initial consultation.

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

The wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, most people do not have room to accommodate these teeth. If they are not removed, the wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and bite misalignment.

The wisdom teeth can also become impacted. This occurs when a tooth does not have enough room to erupt, and it remains completely or partially encased in tissue. Often, impacted wisdom teeth grow in at an angle.

There are several types of impaction:

• Soft tissue impaction: The wisdom tooth has completely erupted from the bone, but it remains fully or partially covered by gum tissue. Food can often become trapped in this soft tissue, leading to infection, inflammation, and severe discomfort.
• Partial bony impaction: The tooth has erupted past some, but not all, of the bony tissue. Again, this can cause severe discomfort and lead to infection.
• Full bony impaction: The tooth is unable to come in at all. When a tooth is fully covered by bone tissue, you will require more extensive oral surgery.

DO YOU NEED WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

The vast majority of patients require wisdom tooth extraction. Even when wisdom teeth are not impacted, they can cause your surrounding teeth to shift out of place. When impaction is an issue, you will face a higher risk for decay, gum disease, abscesses, and, on rare occasions, cysts and tumors. Because of these risks, it is always wise to have your wisdom teeth examined, even if they do not seem to be causing any problems.

HOW ARE EXTRACTIONS PERFORMED?

We will use panorex x-rays and other imaging tools to look for signs of impaction and plan out your surgery. Before the procedure, Dr. Kim or Dr. Libunao will numb your tooth and surrounding gum tissue. If you are feeling anxious, or if your impacted tooth will require a more extensive surgery, you may benefit from nitrous oxide or intravenous (IV) sedation.

To perform a routine extraction, your surgeon will gently move the tooth back and forth to loosen the roots. Then he will gently lift it from the socket.  

If you have an impacted tooth, your oral surgeon will open up the gum tissue and remove any bone that is covering the tooth. The tooth may then be removed in smaller sections.

Dr. Kim and Dr. Libunao also handle other forms of complex tooth extraction, such as the removal of broken teeth. Like impacted wisdom tooth extraction, these procedures typically involve some bone or soft tissue removal. No matter what your specific concern, we will take the time to evaluate your oral health and create a minimal-discomfort treatment plan.

ANESTHESIA AND YOUR SAFETY

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) are trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. Following dental school, they complete at least four years of training in a hospital-based surgical residency program alongside medical residents in general surgery, anesthesia and other specialties. During this time, OMS residents serve on the medical anesthesiology service, where they evaluate patients for anesthesia, deliver the anesthetic and monitor post-anesthetic patients.

As a result of their extensive training, every Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is well-prepared to appropriately administer local anesthesia, all forms of sedation and general anesthesia. They are experienced in airway management, endotracheal intubation, establishing and maintaining intravenous lines, and managing complications and emergencies that may arise during the administration of anesthesia.

Before your surgery, your OMS will review the type of anesthetic to be used, as well as the way you’re likely to feel during and after the operation. This is the time to discuss any concerns you may have about any facet of the operation. Usually, patients describe their feelings during surgery as comfortable and surprisingly pleasant. After surgery, you may be prescribed a medication to make you as comfortable as possible when you get home.