Third Molar Surgery

Third molars are more commonly known as “wisdom teeth”. Their removal is the most common procedure performed by Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeons (MFOS surgeons).

Wisdom teeth may become impacted and need to be removed.

To learn more about the removal of wisdom teeth, please view the documents by clicking on the two buttons below.

Sometimes the Maxillo Facial and Oral Surgeon (MFOS) may advise that the wisdom tooth is too close to the nerve and that the risks of removal exceed the risks of leaving them impacted. (See opinion paper of the SA Society of MFOS).

Another possibility is that the MFOS may advise that a Coronectomy is performed, which is removal of the crown but not the roots of the wisdom teeth (see explanation of this procedure provided to me by Dr Gregory Boyes Varley).