FAQ on Wisdom teeth and sedation!

This FAQ gets to the tooth of the matter on wisdom teeth and sedation

We have all seen them: online videos of people fresh from their wisdom teeth extraction surgery, still under the effects of sedation and behaving ‘high-lariously’. While this comedic content can be great for L-O-Ls, for those about to undergo the procedure it can also lead to some O-M-Gs.

Feel yourself clenching at the thought of sedation and wisdom teeth surgery? Worry not — the dental experts at Seaforth Oral Surgery have this handy FAQ for you chew on.

What are wisdom teeth and why do people need to remove them?

Of the 32 chompers that emerge in your mouth, wisdom teeth are the last to appear.  Normally, they will pierce through your gums between the ages of 17 and 24. In dentistry, wisdom teeth are referred to as third molars as they make up the third set of molars that humans develop — two on the upper jaw, two on the bottom.

So why is it conventional wisdom to remove these teeth? The majority of wisdom teeth are impacted; impacted wisdom teeth either do not have enough space to erupt properly, are crooked and push on neighbouring nibblers, or only partially emerge. All situations can cause gum disease, cysts and damage to adjacent teeth.

To remove or not to remove?

For an informed answer, you need to consult an oral surgeon or dentist who can evaluate whether your wisdom teeth are impacted or not. Feeling nervous? Fun fact: not all wisdom teeth need to be removed!

Also, because teeth extracted before the age of 20 usually develop fewer roots and have fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to assess whether they need to be removed.

Why do people undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery?

To ensure that oral hygiene and health is not negatively affected by impacted wisdom teeth.

What is sedation and why is it used for wisdom teeth removal surgery?

We get it: dental surgery makes many people uncomfortable. Sedation uses medication to relax patients with fear or anxiety, allowing them to undergo a procedure without being aware of any unpleasant sensations or their surroundings. They tend to become very drowsy but usually remain conscious. Dr. Antoine Chehade and Dr. Marc Shenouda stress the benefits of using IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal surgery, as this anesthesia allows the majority of patients to undergo most treatments in a highly comfortable and safe way.

What are the effects of sedation after wisdom teeth surgery?

The sedation effects should dissipate a couple of hours post-surgery. However, the patient will be groggy immediately after the procedure and will need someone to drive him or her home.

Why should an oral surgeon be seen for this procedure?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists who complete an additional five years of postgraduate training to become experts in a variety of oral surgical procedures including jaw surgery, trauma reconstruction, dental implants and complex dental extractions. Specialists like those at Seaforth Oral Surgery are trained in dealing with both complex and common third molars removals. Furthermore, during their hospital-based surgical residency, oral surgeons are taught all aspects of administering anesthesia and offer the highest safety for their patients with the lowest possibilities of risks and complications.

If you have any other questions about your wisdom teeth extraction surgery, we encourage you to contact Seaforth Oral Surgery for a consultation now. We are always ready with a smile to support you as you make your decision.

Please note that you do not need a referral from your dentist to come see us directly!