Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Expert Care by Dr. Brett Denhart

Unimpacted Wisdom Teeth

Think of unimpacted wisdom teeth as guests who RSVP’d to a party and arrived without causing a scene. They’ve emerged (or “erupted”) fully into the mouth, just like your other teeth, and are visible when you open wide. Because they’re not hiding or stuck, removing them is generally more straightforward. The surgeon can see and access these teeth easily, making the extraction process relatively simpler. This doesn’t mean you won’t feel anything, but most patients are happy with local anesthesia for unimpacted wisdom tooth extractions.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are the party guests who promised to come but got lost on the way. They’re trapped beneath the gum, partially emerged, or stuck in a position where they can’t come out naturally. This can be due to lack of space in your mouth or the teeth growing at an odd angle. Since they’re not fully visible or accessible, extracting them is a bit more complex.

Imagine trying to dig out a splinter that’s not at the surface of your skin but rather embedded deep underneath. Your surgeon needs to carefully cut through the gum and sometimes remove a bit of bone to get these teeth out. This process requires more precision. Some patients will request moderate sedation for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

Note that wisdom teeth can be impacted with soft tissue and/or bone. When impacted with bone, we call that a “Bony Impaction.” Imagine a wisdom tooth that’s decided to make its home completely inside the jawbone. The tooth is either fully encased by bone or has only partially emerged through the bone but hasn’t made it all the way into the mouth. Because the tooth is surrounded by bone, accessing and removing it requires more than just pulling it out. The surgeon might need to remove some of the bone around the tooth to free it, which requires precision and sometimes additional time. In these more complicated cases, Dr. Denhart’s oral and maxillofacial surgery training helps support a safe, efficient procedure and the best long-term results.

Personalized Sedation Options

For wisdom teeth extractions, patients can choose between local anesthesia, ideal for those who wish to remain fully awake but pain-free, or Moderate Sedation, which allows for a more relaxed state where the patient is awake but in a significantly reduced state of awareness. This flexibility ensures that our approach to your care is as individual as you are, providing a comfortable experience regardless of your personal preferences or medical considerations.

Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Dr. Brett Denhart brings oral and maxillofacial surgery expertise to wisdom tooth extractions, including the removal of impacted teeth and care planning for patients who need sedation. His training supports careful navigation around bone, gum tissue, and nearby anatomy to minimize trauma and promote faster healing.

For Teens and Adults

Wisdom teeth often emerge in the late teens to early twenties, but adults of any age can require extraction due to discomfort, infection, or other dental health concerns. We welcome patients of all ages, providing the specialized care needed to address the unique challenges at any stage of life.

Your Comfort and Health Are Our Priority

Our practice is committed to ensuring that your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. From your initial consultation to the completion of your extraction and through your recovery process, Dr. Denhart and our team are here to provide the support and expertise you need.

Contact us to schedule a wisdom tooth consultation at our New Bedford, Falmouth, or Hyannis office.