Patients have four, third molars, also known as the wisdom teeth, and these large teeth often become impacted, making it necessary to remove them surgically. The majority of patients will opt to have all of the wisdom teeth removed at the same time, and there are certainly numerous motivating factors to do so.
When you have an oral surgeon extract all four wisdom teeth at the same time, you will limit the amount of time you spend under sedation. It’s also more convenient to schedule follow-up appointments. Additionally, you won’t have to plan for multiple recovery periods after the procedure. When you have all of your wisdom teeth out at the same time, you’ll only miss a few days of school or work, barring any post-operative complications.
Patients who have their wisdom teeth should consult with an oral surgeon to determine the best plan of action. There may be extenuating circumstances specific to your case that make it more feasible to extract the wisdom teeth at different times. Some patients may not need to have all of their wisdom teeth extracted, but rather only the ones that failed to erupt properly. Impacted wisdom teeth are the ones that are likely to be problematic and more susceptible to issues such as abscesses, cysts and tumors.
Regardless of whether you have all four wisdom teeth removed simultaneously or in separate sessions, your oral surgeon will give you thorough information about what to expect from the procedure. You will get complete instructions on preparing for surgery, as well as post-operative directions for caring for your teeth and gums at home as they heal. We urge you to adhere to these instructions to minimize your risk of complications, which can derail your recovery and keep you out of commission for a longer period of time.
Do you have questions about the treatment plan for wisdom tooth extraction? Call our office to speak to one of our providers to get all of the details you need to make an informed decision about your care.