Third molars commonly called wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, typically between ages 17 and 25. They often lack sufficient space to emerge properly, leading to crowding, partial eruption, or impaction. Removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures and is performed routinely in our studio under local anesthetic, with oral sedation available for added comfort.

When Removal Is Needed

Recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped in bone or gum), partially erupted, causing crowding, decay, or recurrent infection. Some patients have fully erupted wisdom teeth that are healthy and require no intervention.

Number of Visits

1-2 visits in most cases, a consultation and a separate extraction appointment. Most cases can sometimes be assessed and extracted in the same visit. A follow up check is included.

Timeline & Recovery

The extraction itself takes 30–90 minutes depending on complexity. Most patients feel comfortable within 3–5 days, with full soft tissue healing in 2 weeks. Bone remodeling continues over several months.

01

Consultation

3D Imaging & Design

CBCT and/or Panoramic X-ray, assessment of position and complexity. Treatment plan discussed. ~45–60 min.

02

Extraction Day

Local anesthetic administered. Teeth removed, 1 to 4 in the same appointment. ~30–90 min.

03

recovery

Rest for 24–48 hours. Soft diet recommended for 3–5 days. Detailed aftercare instructions provided.

04

follow up

Check at 7–10 days to confirm healing. Stitches removed if non-dissolving. ~20 min.

Some orthodontic treatment plans require specific teeth to be removed to create space for proper alignment. Our studio works directly with your orthodontist to ensure extractions are timed and coordinated precisely with the broader treatment plan, so nothing is done out of sequence and your results are optimized from the start.

What's Involved

Orthodontic extractions are typically straightforward, most commonly premolars (bicuspids) that are fully erupted and accessible. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic. Multiple teeth can often be removed in the same appointment.

• Most commonly involves premolars (bicuspids)
• Fully erupted teeth, generally simple extractions
• 1–4 teeth may be extracted in one visit
• Timed to your orthodontist's schedule

Your Visit

After a brief consultation to review your orthodontist's referral and confirm the treatment plan, the extraction appointment is scheduled. The procedure is quick and comfortable. Aftercare is straightforward with most patients returning to normal activity within 1–2 days.

• Consultation: ~30 min
• Extraction appointment: ~30–60 min
• Recovery: 1–3 days
• Results shared directly with your orthodontist

We Partner With Your Orthodontist

We communicate directly with your orthodontic provider to confirm which teeth are being extracted, the exact timing within your treatment sequence, and any special considerations. You don't have to coordinate between offices, we handle that for you. If you don't yet have an orthodontist, we're happy to refer you to our trusted providers.

Sometimes a permanent tooth fails to erupt on its own, remaining trapped (impacted) beneath the gum or bone. This most commonly affects the upper canines. Rather than extracting the tooth, we surgically uncover it and attach a small bracket and chain, allowing the orthodontist to gently guide it into its correct position over time.

The Procedure

A small incision is made in the gum tissue overlying the impacted tooth. Bone covering the tooth may be carefully removed to expose the crown. A small gold chain and orthodontic bracket are bonded to the tooth, and the gum is sutured back. The chain attaches to your braces or aligner hardware, and traction is applied at subsequent orthodontic visits to slowly bring the tooth into alignment.

What to Expect

The surgical procedure itself takes about 45–75 minutes and is done under local anesthetic. Discomfort is mild and well-managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief. The guided eruption process through orthodontics then takes several months. This procedure is commonly done in coordination with your orthodontist and planned as part of your overall treatment.

01

Consultation

CBCT and/or panoramic X-ray to locate impacted tooth precisely. Coordinated with orthodontist.

~45 min

02

Surgical Exposure

Gum opened, bone cleared if needed, bracket and chain bonded to tooth.

~45–75 min

02

Orthodontic Traction

Orthodontist applies gentle force via chain over several months to guide tooth into place.

04

Final Position

Tooth erupts fully into the arch. Chain and bracket removed by the orthodontist. Full alignment achieved.

A frenum is the small band of tissue that connects your lip or tongue to the gum or floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too thick or too tightly attached, it can restrict movement, cause a gap between teeth, contribute to speech difficulties, or interfere with breastfeeding in infants. A frenectomy is a simple, quick procedure to release or remove the frenum.

Lip Frenectomy

The labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. When overly tight, it can create a gap (diastema) between the upper central incisors and restrict lip movement. Often coordinated with orthodontic treatment.

Tongue-Tie Release

A lingual frenum that is too short or tight restricts tongue movement a condition known as ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). It can affect speech articulation, eating, and in infants, breastfeeding. Release restores full tongue mobility.

Quick & Simple

Performed with a soft-tissue laser in most cases no sutures, minimal bleeding, and very fast healing. The procedure takes just 15–30 minutes under local anesthetic. Patients return to normal activity the same day.

The Procedure

Using a soft-tissue diode laser, the frenum is precisely released or removed. The laser seals the tissue as it works, meaning little to no bleeding and no stitches in most cases. Healing is rapid, typically 1 week for complete soft-tissue recovery.

• Performed under local anesthetic
• Laser minimizes bleeding and discomfort
• No sutures needed in most cases
• 15–30 minute appointment

Recovery & Follow-Up

Mild soreness for 24–48 hours, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. A brief stretching or tongue exercise protocol may be recommended after a tongue-tie release to prevent reattachment and maximize the benefit of the procedure.

• 1–2 visits total (consult + procedure)
• Same-day recovery for most patients
• Healing: 5–7 days
• Myofunctional exercises may be recommended

Sufficient bone volume is essential for dental implant success. When bone has been lost due to tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma, bone grafting rebuilds the necessary foundation. Sinus augmentation (sinus lift) is a specialized graft procedure for the upper jaw when the sinus cavity sits too close to allow implant placement. Both procedures are performed in our studio as part of a comprehensive implant plan.

Bone Grafting

Bone graft material, which may be synthetic, donor-sourced, or from another site is placed into the deficient area and covered with a membrane. Over the following months, your body incorporates the graft and new bone forms, creating a stable site for implant placement.

• Often performed at the time of extraction (socket preservation)
• Can be combined with implant placement in some cases
• Graft material: synthetic, allograft, or xenograft

Sinus Augmentation

When upper back teeth have been missing for some time, the sinus cavity can expand downward, leaving insufficient bone for implants. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material beneath it, creating the vertical bone height needed for safe implant placement.

• Lateral or crestal approach depending on bone height
• Performed under local anesthetic with sedation available
• Healing before implant: 4–6 months
• Can sometimes be combined with implant placement

01

Evaluation

3D cone beam scan measures bone volume precisely. Implant and graft plan designed digitally before any procedure.

~60 - 90 min

90 - 120

Graft Procedure

Bone graft or sinus lift performed under local anesthetic or sedation. Site closed and healing begins.

60 - 120 min

4 - 6

Graft Maturation

New bone integrates over 3–6 months. Progress evaluated with X-rays at scheduled checkpoints.

3 - 6 Months

4 - 5

Implant Placement

Once bone density is confirmed, implant placement proceeds as planned. The foundation is ready.

Separate Appointment

⚑  Socket Preservation: If you're having a tooth extracted and plan to place an implant in the future, ask about adding a bone graft at the time of extraction. This simple step preserves bone volume and can significantly reduce the need for larger grafting procedures later.