• Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth.
• They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars.
• Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.

• Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth.
• When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted.
• This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.

• We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal.
• A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.



• Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
• Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
• Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jawbone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jawbone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.

• If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen.
• Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed.
• In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties.
• Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30.
• Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

What Happens On The Day They Are Removed?

• Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated.
• You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation.
• All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort.
• Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia.
• These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff.
• The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.


• On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling.



• We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day.
• The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes.
• Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort.
• State of the art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.


• On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer).
• This does not mean you should try to fit in one "last meal" exactly six hours before your surgery.
• Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting.
• Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines.
• We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance.
• When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible.
• If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm.
• This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication.
• Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest.
• You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

• If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal.
• You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth.
• This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.


• Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication.
• Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil%uFFFD) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain.
• If not, begin your other prescription pain medication.
• The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve.
• We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.


• We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication.
• If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

• On the first day after surgery, you may experience some minor bleeding and pain.
• You should cover your pillowcase with something so that you don't get any blood on it.
• Each individual's reaction to surgery varies, and the sensation of pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
• A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery.
• This swelling usually peaks on the second day and should begin resolving on the third day.
• You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice for the entire first day.
• The more ice you use the first day, the less swelling you are likely to have on the second day.
• Please remember to put ice on the first day even if it is somewhat uncomfortable to have the cold next to your skin.
• On the third day, you will notice that your jaw muscles are stiff, and it is difficult to open your mouth normally.
• You can apply moist heat to your face on the second and third day allowing your muscles to relax more and open wider.
• Most of the time you will want to limit your activities for a few days.
• We ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely. Doing so will make you as comfortable as possible during the first few days following your procedure.
• Please allow time for your body to begin healing before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule.
• Most patients feel like they are over the hump and on their way to recovery in 3 to 5 days.

• As with any medical procedure, there can be complications or an unanticipated result.
• Some complications that patients undergoing Wisdom Tooth Extraction may experience include: Damage to the sensory nerve that supplies sensation to the lips and tongue, sinus communication, infections and dry sockets.


• After the procedure, our assistants will review your post-operative instructions with your escort.
• We ask that you follow these instructions closely, as they will make you most comfortable following your procedure.
• If you were sedated, you will be comfortable and drowsy when you leave the office.
• Most patients prefer to go home and rest with no other physical or scholastic activities planned for a few days. With any medical procedure, there can be unexpected results.
• These can include delayed healing, infection and post-operative numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue. The oral surgeon will review relevant post-operative events with you and answer any questions during your office visit.

• The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors.
• These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you.
• During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided.
• Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure.
• The oral surgeon's office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.

• At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail.
• We encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
• If new questions arise after your consultation, please call the doctor's office to speak to one of the patient care coordinators.

• With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Ravi & Rod can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems.
• Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient.
• Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.


• All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort.
• Dr. Ravi & Rod is trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

• In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), or general anesthesia.
• These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed.
• Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured.
• To help control bleeding bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth.
• You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home.
• Upon discharge your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal.
• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 713-944-0864.


• Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety.
• We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff are experienced in anesthesia techniques.