Wisdom Teeth and Other Office Surgery

Wisdom teeth, whether erupted or impacted below the gum surface, may cause intermittent or recurrent infection, swelling, pain and discomfort. Even in the absence of pain, wisdom teeth may have cysts, which can silently grow and damage the adjacent bone or teeth with dental caries, periodontal disease or crowding. The underlying nerves may also be affected.

A pre-surgical consultation with Dr. Prinsell includes a single panoramic X-ray, oral examination, review of medical history and a discussion of the diagnosis and treatment plan.

For your convenience, teeth extractions, biopsies and other oral surgery may be performed during the same office visit. The removal of four impacted wisdom teeth typically takes 30-45 minutes and may be accomplished with laughing gas and IV anesthesia to make one sleepy. It is advisable not to eat or drink approximately eight hours before surgery, and you must be accompanied by another adult to drive you home.