What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal, also known as extraction, is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth from the back corners of the mouth. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually come in during the late teens or early 20s, but can cause problems at any age.

What can I expect during Wisdom Teeth Removal?

During wisdom teeth removal, you can expect to be numbed with anesthesia so you don't feel pain. The type of anesthesia you'll receive depends on how difficult the procedure is expected to be and your comfort level. Options include:

• Local: A shot of anesthetic, such as novocaine, lidocaine, or mepivacaine, to numb your mouth. You may also breathe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to relax or even doze during surgery.

• IV sedation: Drugs are given through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy, and you might sleep during the whole procedure.

• General: Drugs are given through a vein or you breathe gas in through a mask.