Wisdom Teeth

Preparation
Procedure
Recovery

Procedure

The surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a very common procedure. It is performed in your oral and maxillofacial surgeon's office or surgical facility. The procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes and you will be allowed to go home on the same day. During the surgery, you will be given local anesthesia, often with sedation, to make you more comfortable. The surgery involves removing the gum tissue that presides over the tooth, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth and finally suturing the opening in the gum line.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007