Problems with wisdom teeth are common, with adolescents and young adults frequently having surgery to remove these back molars.
Many people ask, “Can I be sedated during the procedure?” But others might wonder just the opposite — whether it’s possible to remove their wisdom teeth without anesthesia.
Dr. Michael Nichols and the team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi want to make sure you’re safe and comfortable during any procedure. Before he removes your wisdom teeth, he ensures you understand what the procedure entails, including your anesthesia options.
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted, but doing so can prevent problems. As humans have evolved, our need for these teeth has diminished. We eat softer food, and the human jaw has gotten smaller, leaving less space for wisdom teeth.
As a result, some people don’t have enough room for their wisdom teeth to properly emerge (erupt) through their gums. That can lead to an infection called pericoronitis, or your wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment.
With X-rays and an exam, Dr. Nichols can usually tell whether your wisdom teeth will cause issues before they erupt.
For most people, the best time for extraction is before the root structures of the wisdom teeth fully develop. That could be as young as 12 years old or as late as the early 20s.
Once the roots have developed, extraction can be more difficult. That’s because jawbone density increases, and the roots of the wisdom teeth get bigger.
Some people prefer to have their wisdom teeth removed with local anesthesia only; others prefer IV sedation. Dr. Nichols and his team make sure you understand your options before your surgery, including any potential risks associated with those options.
One benefit of trusting Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi for your wisdom teeth extraction is that we possess the qualifications, licensing, and knowledge to offer a variety of anesthesia options. Rest assured that you’re getting expert care from people with your safety top of mind.
Oral surgery can be complicated, depending on your age and tooth structure, among other factors. We recommend some level of anesthesia to remain comfortable during your surgery.
If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal, schedule a consultation today at our office in Flowood, Mississippi. Dr. Nichols is happy to answer your questions and address your unique needs.
