Improved imaging and medications make this common surgery a safer and more comfortable experience.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth refers to the third molars, which are located at the back of the mouth and are the last teeth to emerge. When wisdom teeth become impacted, or overcrowded, they put pressure on the neighboring molars and can lead to problems including pain, cavities, bone loss, cysts, tumors, and infections. Surgical extractions can help prevent these problems and is recommended between the ages of 15 and 26 to reduce the risk of complications.
New Solutions
Wisdom teeth extraction surgery is a very common procedure, and advancements in imaging and medications have made strides in improving the patient experience.
Imaging technology is used to view wisdom teeth position and form plans for the procedure. Cone-beam CT scans are an innovative imaging option that can produce detailed, three-dimensional images of the teeth and mouth, as well as the nerves and vessels.
Anesthesia is administered during the procedure to aid a pain-free experience. Advancements in medicine have produced a variety of options, which include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, conscious oral or IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Exparel is a long-lasting local anesthetic that lasts three days, helping patients manage post-operative pain and avoid the use of prescription narcotics.
Pain medication can assist the healing process. Prescriptions may include narcotics for acute episodes of pain, and non-opioid options are available for use throughout recovery.
Benefits to Patients
Detailed imaging allows for precise planning that reduces the risk of complications, while anesthesia and pain medication have improved patient comfort during and after the procedure. Knowing these advancements are available to prevent complications and ease discomfort can be a great relief to any anxieties patients may have about this surgery.
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
