Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a procedure that many teenagers and adults undergo. By having these teeth extracted by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you protect your oral health and get back to your normal routine as fast as the next day!

Dr. SalinDr. WeinerDr. Semanoff, and Dr. Nack perform wisdom teeth removal in our comfortable, pristine surgical suites in Feasterville, Newtown, and Abington, PA. Contact Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today to schedule a consultation for you or your child, and our experts will determine if it’s time to have your wisdom teeth taken out.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

In your mouth, there are first molars and second molars. These large teeth are responsible for grinding and chewing food. Some people develop third molars, also called wisdom teeth. You already have other molars that help you eat, so third molars are unnecessary for oral function. The average adult mouth does not have room for an extra set of molars, and having them removed can prevent numerous oral health complications.

By having your wisdom teeth taken out, you avoid issues such as:

  • Damage to adjacent molars
  • Damage to the jaw bone
  • Pain and swelling
  • Cysts or tumors
  • Overcrowding
  • Bite problems
  • Infection
  • Gum disease
  • Jaw stiffness

When Should I Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth develop during the late teens or early twenties, which is the ideal time to have them extracted. During this time, these molars are not yet fully developed and are easier to remove. Younger patients tend to heal faster and have fewer complications during recovery. Although we recommend early wisdom teeth removal, our oral surgeons can extract wisdom teeth for patients of all ages. We often see adults in their 30s and beyond undergo wisdom tooth removal.

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Anesthesia for Wisdom Teeth Removal

As oral surgeons, we are thoroughly trained and qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia and sedation. Your safety and comfort during surgery is our top priority, and we discuss all of your anesthesia options beforehand so we can select the right choice for your needs.

The majority of patients undergo IV anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal. This type of sedation is administered intravenously and will put you in a semi-conscious state. You will not feel pain, but you will be able to respond to your surgeon. This is also sometimes called twilight sedation or twilight dentistry, and it differs from general anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious. Most patients have no memory of the procedure itself after the sedation wears off.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

We perform wisdom tooth extraction in our surgical suites, which are designed for your safety and comfort. Prior to your procedure, your oral surgeon will create a custom treatment plan that outlines your specific health needs. We will walk you through the process, so you know exactly what will happen and can feel more informed about your treatment.

Your surgeon will make small incisions in the gums to access impacted wisdom teeth. Some third molars are divided into smaller pieces to make removal easier. After we remove the wisdom teeth, we close the incisions with sutures and place gauze over the wound to promote healing.

Questions to Ask Your Oral Surgeon About Wisdom Teeth Removal

By asking questions about your procedure, you can feel more at ease about your surgery. Our doctors and staff are always happy to answer your questions and encourage you to bring a list of questions to the consultation appointment so we can be sure to address them all. Here are some examples of questions to ask about having your wisdom teeth removed:

  • How many wisdom teeth do I need extracted?
  • What are my anesthesia or sedation options?
  • Should I take my prescribed medications before and after my surgery?
  • How long will my procedure take?
  • Should I arrange for someone to drive me home after my procedure?
  • Are there risks or complications?
  • What can I expect during recovery?
  • Will I need any prescription medication during recovery?
  • How long can I expect my recovery to last?
  • What number can I call if I have questions after surgery?

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Feasterville, Newtown, and Abington, PA

For an oral surgery team you can trust, visit the board-certified experts at Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. We make the wisdom teeth removal process a comfortable, seamless experience and have offices in Feasterville, Newtown, and Abington, PA, to serve patients northeast of Philadelphia and in nearby areas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Types of Anesthesia

We offer a variety of choices to ensure a comfortable oral surgery experience.

Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients

These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.

A Practice Built On Trust, Innovation, and Clinical Excellence

For over 50 years, we have had the privilege of serving our communities with the highest level of oral surgery care. We love what we do, and we look forward to providing you and your loved ones with an outstanding patient experience and incredible results.

Local Anesthesia

Administered through a syringe, a local anesthetic numbs only the surgical site. The effects can last up to several hours. We often pair local anesthesia with another type of anesthesia or sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask. It provides mild sedation and pain relief and is often combined with other options, such as oral sedation, for optimal effect.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia will render you totally unconscious. This option is reserved for complex surgeries such as orthognathic surgery or facial reconstruction.

Intravenous (IV) Anesthesia

Your surgeon will inject the sedative into the vein, which will render you into a semi-conscious state. Also called twilight sedation or twilight dentistry, this option is ideal for extensive procedures or highly anxious patients.