Wisdom Tooth Extractions

When wisdom teeth become problematic, Dr. Nabors at the Oklahoma Dental Surgery Center is here to help.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, can be problem-free when they grow in properly without issue and are surrounded by healthy gum tissue. Most people, though, don’t have enough room in their mouth to allow for proper growth and development of their wisdom teeth.

Typically coming in between the ages of 17 and 21, wisdom teeth are ideally removed around the age of 15 or 16 when approximately two-thirds of their roots have developed. However, removal can still be performed in adulthood if necessary.

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

Impaction occurs when a tooth fails to fully emerge from the gums. Wisdom teeth may experience varying degrees of impaction:

  • In hard tissue impaction, the tooth remains embedded within the bone, either partially or entirely.
  • In soft tissue impaction, the tooth's crown protrudes above the bone but is completely covered by gum tissue.
  • Moreover, the tooth can grow in different directions: upright, sideways, away from neighboring teeth, or toward neighboring teeth.

Keeping impacted wisdom teeth may increase the likelihood of:

  • Gum infections
  • Decay in adjacent teeth
  • Formation of cysts
  • Bone and jaw deterioration

So, what exactly happens during wisdom teeth extraction?

We will begin by taking x-rays of your mouth to assess the condition of your wisdom teeth. Typically, patients opt to have all four wisdom teeth removed in a single procedure.

We’ll also give you anesthesia. The type of anesthesia depends on the complexity of the extraction. We’ll discuss your options prior to your procedure.

  • Sedation anesthesia to induce a "light sleep," administered via IV or through a gas mask
  • General anesthesia via IV or gas mask for a profound state of unconsciousness

We then make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. If necessary, some bone tissue may be removed to facilitate extraction. The tooth will be extracted, and if needed, it may be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. Finally, the wound may be sutured to promote healing.

Follow these instructions after your procedure to promote proper healing. If you encounter any type of emergency after surgery, call 911 or go immediately to the emergency room. Our weekend emergency number is 405-594-8846.