Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures, and understanding what happens during the process can help ease any concerns you might have. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, which typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These third molars often lack adequate space to grow properly, leading to impaction, crowding, or infection. When wisdom teeth cause problems or show signs of future complications, extraction becomes the best solution to protect your oral health.
At Birch Family Dental, we perform oral surgery procedures with a focus on your comfort and safety. Dr. Bryant Birch and Dr. Anderson bring extensive surgical experience to every extraction, having completed well over 800 implants and countless other procedures. Our Green River office is equipped with advanced technology and certified for sedation dentistry, allowing us to provide comprehensive care in a comfortable setting. Knowing what to expect during your wisdom tooth extraction can help you feel more prepared and confident about the procedure.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need Removal
Wisdom teeth often require extraction because your jaw may not have enough room to accommodate them. When these teeth try to emerge without sufficient space, they can become impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gum tissue or growing at an angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing pain, crowding, and potential damage to your other molars.
They can also create pockets where bacteria collect, leading to infections, gum disease, or cysts. Even wisdom teeth that partially emerge can be difficult to clean properly, increasing your risk of decay and gum problems. Removing problematic wisdom teeth prevents these complications and protects your long-term oral health.
Your Initial Consultation
Your wisdom tooth extraction journey begins with a thorough consultation. We take a 3D cone beam CT scan of your mouth, which provides detailed images of your wisdom teeth, their positions, and their relationship to surrounding structures like nerves and sinuses. This advanced imaging helps us plan your procedure with precision.
During your consultation, we discuss your specific situation, explain the extraction process, and review your sedation options. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and share any concerns. We also review your medical history to ensure we choose the safest approach for your procedure.
Sedation Options for Your Comfort
We understand dental procedures can feel stressful, which is why we offer multiple sedation options. For anxious patients or complex extractions, we provide deep sedation through our certified nurse anesthetist. He’s the same professional you’d encounter at a same-day surgery center, bringing hospital-level care to our office. He conducts a pre-op phone call to review your medical history and answers any questions before your procedure day.
On the day of your extraction, you’ll speak with both him and your dentist before receiving sedation. We also offer minimal sedation options, including nitrous oxide and prescription medications for patients who prefer lighter sedation. Your comfort and safety remain our top priorities throughout the entire process.
The Extraction Procedure
On the day of your extraction, you’ll arrive at our office and complete any final paperwork. If you’re receiving deep sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Once you’re comfortable and sedated, Dr. Birch or Dr. Anderson begins the extraction.
For teeth that have fully emerged, the process is straightforward and involves gently loosening the tooth and removing it. For impacted wisdom teeth, we make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Sometimes we need to remove a small amount of bone or divide the tooth into sections for easier removal. Throughout the procedure, you won’t feel pain thanks to anesthesia and sedation. The entire process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of teeth being removed and their positions.
Immediate Recovery and Aftercare
After your extraction, you’ll rest in our office while the sedation wears off. Our team monitors you closely during this time. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and ensure you understand how to care for the extraction sites. You’ll receive prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics if needed.
Before you leave, we schedule your follow-up appointment to check your healing progress. Our team remains available to answer questions or address concerns during your recovery. We want you to feel supported every step of the way.
What to Expect at Home
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction typically takes a few days to a week. You’ll experience swelling and mild discomfort for the first 48 to 72 hours, which gradually improves. Some bleeding is normal for the first day, controlled by biting on gauze pads. You’ll need to stick to soft foods for several days and avoid using straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing to prevent dry socket.
Most patients return to work or school within a few days. During this time, maintaining good oral hygiene around the extraction sites helps prevent infection, though you’ll need to be gentle in those areas. You’ll come back for a follow-up visit so we can check your healing progress and ensure everything is on track. Following your aftercare instructions carefully promotes faster healing and reduces complications.
Why Choose Birch Family Dental for Your Extraction
Our practice offers unique advantages for wisdom tooth extraction. We’re one of the only offices in the area with a certified nurse anesthetist, allowing us to provide hospital-level sedation care right here in Green River. This means you don’t need to travel hours to a larger city for complex extractions. We use advanced technology like WaterLase laser therapy and 3D imaging to make procedures more comfortable and precise.
Dr. Birch has invested extensive time in continued education to provide the highest level of surgical care. Our family has served this community for over 40 years, building lasting relationships based on trust and quality care. Our experienced team, advanced technology, and comprehensive sedation options ensure you receive comfortable, high-quality care throughout your procedure. We have sedation available with a nurse anesthetist for any surgeries or for people with dental anxiety. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your smile.
