Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction 101

A tooth extraction is not something to be taken lightly, especially if it involves wisdom teeth. For your safety and your best outcome, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will have to remove your wisdom teeth surgically. And if you consult a general dentist regarding an issue with wisdom teeth first, they are likely to refer you to an oral surgeon. 

For one thing, the risk of complications could be high, and for another, the procedure is complex enough to require the attention of an oral surgery specialist. What’s more, if complications arise afterwards, a surgeon is better equipped to resolve them. Additionally, a surgeon can perform the procedure even if you have infections, while a general dentist may insist on delaying it until the infection has cleared up with the help of antibiotics.

So what else do you need to know about a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth? Read on to learn more about emergency wisdom teeth extraction in Murrieta.

What is considered a surgical extraction?

Surgical extraction is the extraction of a tooth which may not be possible or safe with the non-surgical approach to extraction, whether due to associated pathology, difficulty of access, risk of complications, etc. This type of extraction is common when wisdom teeth are concerned. Possible issues include impaction, infections, damage to the surrounding tissue, etc.

Surgical extractions may require an incision, elevation or bone removal. To determine whether this is the case with you, your doctor will need to get a panoramic image of all four of your wisdom teeth, especially if your case is asymptomatic. 

What is the difference between an extraction and a surgical extraction?

While simple extraction is done when removing teeth that are easily seen and accessible, surgical extraction may require an incision into the gum tissue and possible modification of bone. This enables your oral surgeon to gain access to the wisdom tooth to be removed.

During a typical surgical wisdom tooth extraction procedure, your oral surgeon:

• Creates an incision in the gum tissue to maximize exposure of the tooth and bone
• If needed, removes bone blocking access to the tooth root
• Divides tooth into sections to facilitate the extraction process
• Removes tooth
• Cleans the extraction site and remove debris, if any
• Stitches the wound closed to promote healing, if needed
• Places gauze over extraction site to control bleeding and to promote the blood clot formation process

How long does a surgical tooth extraction take?

An experienced dental surgeon should not take over 30 minutes to extract a tooth, even if it is a complex extraction of premolars or molars. Prior to the extraction, you will be given an anesthetic of your choosing. This is done to numb the extraction area, eliminate pain and minimize discomfort. Patients who need to have a serial extraction done, such as when they need to have all four premolar teeth extracted, may opt for a general anesthetic, under the effect of which they will be asleep during the entire procedure.

How long does it take to recover from a surgical tooth extraction?

Your oral surgeon is likely to ask that you follow certain measures following the procedure so the area can be allowed to clot before you can return your normal activity and normal diet. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for the soft tissue surrounding the extraction site to fully heal.

Choose the safe path to emergency wisdom teeth extraction in Murrieta

At Temecula Facial Oral Surgery, emergency wisdom teeth extractions are done on a regular basis. You can rest assured Dr. Dmitry Tsvetov will recommend a course of action in your best interest to secure your optimal and safest outcome.

Find out why we are the number one choice of patients in Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs and other neighborhoods and communities across Temecula Valley and Riverside County.

We’ve got you covered, so schedule your appointment now.