Third molar surgery, commonly known as wisdom tooth extraction, is a dental procedure performed to remove the third molars, which are the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. Its development is usually completed between the mid-teens and early twenties.
Third molar surgery involves the surgical removal of one or more wisdom teeth. These molars usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but can sometimes cause problems due to various reasons, such as overcrowding, impaction, improper alignment or inability to clean them properly. Surgery is usually performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.
- Relief of pain and discomfort: Impacted or improperly growing wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling and gum infections.
- Prevention of dental problems: Wisdom teeth can be prone to cavities and gum disease due to their location and difficulty in cleaning.
- Preventive measures: Early removal of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth can prevent future complications such as cavities, gum disease and damage to adjacent teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment: Wisdom teeth can put pressure on neighboring teeth, affecting the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.
Third molar surgery can be classified into different types depending on the position and condition of the wisdom teeth:
Simple extraction: performed when the wisdom tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible, the area is numbed with local anesthesia and dental instruments are used to loosen and extract the tooth.
Surgical extraction: Necessary when the wisdom tooth is impacted, partially erupted or positioned in a way that makes it difficult to access.
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INFORMED CONSENT FOR DENTAL EXTRACTION
You are hereby informed that you have the right to know about the procedure you are about to undergo, the benefits it offers and the most frequent complications that occur.
I have been informed by Dr. Hugo Martinez and understand the purpose and nature of the dental extraction/surgery. It has been explained to me and I consent to employ a surgical procedure in which the tooth that is not helping to establish my oral health will be removed.
I declare that my mouth has been properly examined. That other alternatives to this treatment have been explained to me and that I have studied and considered these methods I have been informed of, with my final decision being dental extraction/surgery. Further, I have been informed of the possible risks and complications involved with the surgical procedure, medication and anesthesia. Such complications include: pain, swelling, possible infection and bleeding. That I may experience loss of sensation. That there is no exact time in which this sensation will last in case of complication, which cannot be determined and may be irreversible depending on the cases and seriousness of the problem. There may also be inflammation or tissue damage in the area, bone fracture, penetration into the maxillary sinus and floor of the nostrils, delayed healing, allergic reactions to medication, drugs or materials used in the surgical technique.
I declare that it has been explained to me that there is no method that can predict with certainty the healing capacity of the bone and gums and that it is different in each patient.
I have been informed of the inconvenience of smoking, drinking alcohol or taking too much sugar, for the healing of the gums and such habits compromise the success of the treatment. I fully agree with the instructions given to me by the surgeon about the care I must take in relation to the hygiene of my mouth and I have understood how to do it. I agree to go to my dentist’s office to be examined and instructed as he/she instructs me to do so.
I agree to undergo local anesthesia, knowing the risks involved, delegating to the dentist the choice of the type of anesthesia. I fully understand that, during and following the planned procedure, surgery or treatment, conditions may arise that, at the discretion of the practitioner, require a complementary/alternative treatment plan, directly related to the success of the treatment. I also approve of any modifications in design, materials or maintenance, if deemed to be in my best interest.
I undertake to take all the necessary care and precautions; to comply with the stipulated medication, without any modification; to attend the stipulated controls and to inform immediately to the dentist in charge any symptomatology that may appear, in order to treat it early. I confirm that I have read and understood all the above and that the doctor and his team have explained to me the whole surgical procedure and have allowed me to ask all the necessary questions, giving me answers to my concerns, in a clear and simple language.
INFORMED CONSENT FOR CONSCIOUS SEDATION
You are hereby informed that you have the right to know the details of the procedure you are about to undergo, the benefits it offers and the most frequent complications it involves and that could occur.
I have been informed by the physician and understand the purpose and nature of IV conscious sedation.
I understand that IV CONSCIOUS SEDATION placement includes possible risks such as complications from drug use and anesthesia, which include, but are not limited to, tenderness, bruising (hematomas- color changes), nausea, vomiting, bleeding, infection , tingling and allergic reaction. It has been explained to me that sensitivity or inflammation of the placement site to sedation can occur since some sedative medications can cause a burning or itching sensation during application, in addition, that there may be a small edema in the area of application and They may even take a few days to go away and can be treated by applying warm compresses to the site.
I understand about the limitations on drinks and food for 8 hours to fast for the procedure. Major changes in health status have been reported to me and include fever and cold. I am aware that I must inform the doctors about changes before the planned procedure with IV conscious sedation such as taking medications, previous illnesses and previous experiences with anesthesia.
I am aware that I must attend my appointment with a companion by the time the procedure is completed and I can later be discharged. I am advised not to make important decisions or drive or go on my own in a taxi or Uber service after having undergone IV conscious sedation. I understand that if I am pregnant some medications or drugs may be harmful to my baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. I recognize the importance of notifying doctors of suspected pregnancy. I have been informed and understand that sedation costs are part of the surgical and non-surgical procedures to be performed. These costs include the preparation of the IV sedation, medications to be used and anesthesiologist fees. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions related to the purpose of IV sedation and have received satisfactory answers. I assume responsibility for the possible risks previously described and I authorize the doctors of Centro Maxillofacial San Pedro SAS, the application of IV sedation, including the necessary medications.
I GIVE MY CONSENT
Carefully review the information, write down the doubts to be able to solve them with the surgeon prior to your surgery. These documents will be signed the day of your surgery.
Local anesthesia to numb the area and intravenous sedation are administered during the procedure, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, discomfort and swelling may occur, but pain medication and aftercare instructions provided by your oral surgeon can help control pain.
The recovery period varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and the healing rate of each patient. It usually takes between one week and ten days to fully recover. During this time, it is important to follow post-operative instructions, maintain good oral hygiene and eat a soft or liquid diet.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications, although they are relatively rare. These can include infection, bleeding, dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves), nerve damage, and jaw stiffness. Your oral surgeon will explain the possible risks and address any concerns you may have.
The timing of third molar surgery varies depending on individual circumstances. It is often recommended that wisdom teeth be removed in the late teens or early twenties, before they cause significant problems. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your individual case and advise you on the appropriate time for surgery.
Dr. Hugo has current credentials and accreditations to perform procedures both in his facilities and in the following hospitals: