Dr. Chilcoat and the team at Texas Wisdom Teeth understand that having your wisdom teeth removed can be a frightening procedure to anticipate. However, it does have to be a frightening experience. Our office offers a couple of different options for sedation, so you’ll be completely comfortable during your procedure. Read on to find out what’s available for sedation with wisdom tooth removal in Dallas.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are located behind all of your other teeth. More often than not, these teeth are too large for your jaw to accommodate. However, if you look at our prehistoric ancestors’ lives, then you’ll see why these teeth were necessary. They needed to chew tough meat and raw vegetation. Today, however, our eating habits are much different, so these teeth have become obsolete.

Why should wisdom teeth be extracted?

Because these teeth are large, they sometimes do not even erupt through the gum—these are called impacted wisdom teeth. Whether impacted or not, wisdom teeth can press on adjacent teeth. This might not only be painful, but it can also cause misalignment. And because wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, cleaning them can be difficult, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Dallas

Removing your wisdom teeth typically requires no more than one hour. Without proper sedation, however, that one hour could feel much longer. Most patients opt for IV sedation, also called general anesthesia. A sedative medication is delivered intravenously, so you’ll be able to sleep comfortably through your procedure. Dr. Chilcoat will have specific instructions for you to follow before your surgery: don’t eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to surgery. In addition, a responsible adult will need to drive you to our office, remain here during your surgery and drive you home afterwards.

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Chilcoat is a licensed anesthetist, who is trained and certified to provide general anesthesia. And the surgical team at Texas Wisdom Teeth is specially trained in anesthesia assistance, and they are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

In some cases, extracting wisdom teeth may not necessitate general anesthesia. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This is inhaled through a small nose mask while Dr. Chilcoat performs surgery.

Call Our Office Today

If you or a family member needs to have wisdom teeth removed, then contact Texas Wisdom Teeth in Dallas, TX.

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