Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts in dental extractions. Extractions are accomplished either with local anesthesia or with varying sedation techniques depending on the patient's desires, medical history, and the surgeons decision.

Wisdom Teeth - Wisdom teeth or 3rd Molars are the last teeth to develop and erupt. Many times these teeth do not erupt because they grow in the wrong direction, or there is not enough room in the mouth - these teeth are termed "impacted". The results of a recent study conducted by the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) indicates that paitents who do not have impacted third molars removed prior to age 25 may be at greater risk for development of cysts or tumors affecting the tissue surrounding the 2nd and 3rd molars. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed as early as possible if it is determined that they will not fully erupt and become functional. Erupted wisdom teeth may need to be removed for decay (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease, recurrent infection, and orthodontic considerations.

Extraction of diseased and malformed/malpositioned teeth is an essential part of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Indications for extraction include: non-restorable dental decay (cavities), end-stage gum disease, failed root canal tratment, orthodontic reasons, crowding, retained baby teeth, as well as many others. Extracting teeth is made less difficult when the general principles of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are understood and practiced.