Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If you live in American Fork, Utah, and have questions about removing wisdom teeth, Dr. Greg G. Pitts and his team at Greg G. Pitts DDS have answers for you. Understanding wisdom teeth and how they can become impacted can help you make the decisions you need to make about whether or not you need to remove your wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth? 

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called “third molars” and the last teeth that develop in your mouth. They usually begin to erupt in your late teens or early 20s.

These teeth are found far toward the back of the mouth, so they often become impacted.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth  

When wisdom teeth start to come in, they affect the other teeth, causing them to become crooked as they push and turn against them. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause extreme pain.

Wisdom teeth can be removed via two different types of extraction: 

• Surgical extraction: Impacted wisdom teeth may need to be surgically removed. In this case, your dentist will have to cut into the gum tissue to remove the tooth from the jawbone surgically
• Simple extraction: Wisdom teeth erupting on their own above the gum line can be easily removed from the socket without surgery 

Sedation Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal 

Wisdom teeth removal is usually a major procedure, and Dr. Pitts offers three different sedation options in addition to local anesthetic injections and general sedation.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is administered through a mask that fits comfortably over your nose. As you breathe in the gas, you will feel euphoric and numb, but most of all, you’ll be relaxed enough for your dentist to remove your wisdom teeth easily.

Oral conscious sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill orally before your procedure. You will feel groggy for between 30 to 60 minutes. However, you remain fully aware of what’s going on and responsive to your surroundings.

IV sedation

For oral surgery, Dr. Pitts will usually opt for IV sedation. When you’re sedated with IV, you don’t lose consciousness but are less aware of what’s happening around you. This type of sedation works very quickly.

Finding Relief from Wisdom Tooth Pain  

Contact Greg G. Pitts DDS, at (801) 758-0019 if you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth. You can also contact us online today.

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