Types of Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedures
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth varies from simple to complex depending on the person. That is because a given person's wisdom teeth may be impacted (still inside the gum tissue) or unimpacted (outside the gum tissue). This difference means the specialist removing the wisdom teeth will either have to do surgery or simply pull the teeth out with pliers. A given person may also have a combination of both impacted and unimpacted wisdom teeth, which means the specialist will combine these procedures.
Procedure for Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
A person whose wisdom teeth are impacted will schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon. The surgeon will start by administering a local anesthetic, such as novocaine or lidocaine, as well as a sedative that puts the patient to sleep (if preferred). The surgeon cuts an incision into the gum tissue until he finds the tooth. He may have to cut through the jawbone to reach the tooth. He then uses a drill and other incisive tools to take apart the tooth, since he wants to do as little damage as possible to the surrounding gum tissue. The final part of the surgery is stitching up the gum tissue. Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room where he soon awakens and receives instructions on the healing process.
Procedure for Removing Unimpacted Wisdom Teeth
If a person's wisdom teeth are completely unimpacted, surgery is not necessary. Instead, the patient visits the dentist for general extraction. Before extraction, the patient's mouth is numbed with novocaine or lidocaine. He may also receive nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") or total sedation, per his preference. During the extraction procedure, a dentist removes the wisdom teeth through gradual extraction, or by "wiggling" the teeth for a period of several hours. The dentist may have to cut into the gums to reach the roots of each tooth, and pull it out. Once again, following the procedure the patient awakens and receives instructions on making a quick recovery.
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