What Every Oral Surgeon Must Know About Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Techniques, Tools, and Best Practices

Wisdom tooth extraction remains one of the most commonly performed oral surgical procedures, yet it continues to present unique challenges that separate skilled oral surgeons from the rest. Whether you're dealing with a simple erupted third molar or a complex impacted tooth requiring extensive bone removal, success depends on proper technique, the right instruments, and strategic planning.

Understanding Third Molar Anatomy and Positioning

Classification Systems Every Surgeon Should Master

1. Pell and Gregory Classification:

• Class I: Adequate space for eruption

• Class II: Mesial-distal dimension reduced

• Class III: Insufficient space, tooth embedded in ramus

2. Winter's Classification (Angulation):

• Vertical: Crown pointing upward

• Mesioangular: Crown angled toward second molar

• Distoangular: Crown angled away from second molar

• Horizontal: Crown perpendicular to normal axis

Understanding these classifications directly impacts your surgical approach and instrument selection, particularly when choosing the appropriate tooth sectioning technique.

Pre-Surgical Assessment: The Foundation of Success

Radiographic Evaluation Essentials

Panoramic Radiography:

• Provides overall view of third molar position

• Shows relationship to adjacent structures

• Identifies potential complications early

CBCT Indications:

• Proximity to inferior alveolar nerve

• Unusual root morphology

• Suspected sinus involvement

• Complex impactions requiring detailed visualization

Risk Factor Assessment

High-Risk Indicators:

• Patient age over 25

• Deep impaction (Class III)

• Horizontal angulation

• Proximity to vital structures

• Dense surrounding bone

These factors directly influence your need for precise tooth sectioning, making high-quality diamond burs essential for controlled, efficient cutting.

Surgical Technique: Step-by-Step Approach

Phase 1: Access and Exposure

Flap Design Considerations:

• Envelope flap: Simple, preserves papilla

• Triangular flap: Better visibility, increased morbidity

• Szmyd flap: A scalloped internal bevel incision is made

Bone Removal Strategy:

• Remove only necessary bone

• Preserve lingual and buccal cortices when possible

• Use copious irrigation during osteotomy

Phase 2: Tooth Sectioning - The Critical Phase

This is where precision diamond sectioning bursbecome indispensable. Proper tooth sectioning reduces extraction trauma, minimizes bone removal, and significantly decreases surgical time.

When Sectioning is Essential:

• Horizontal impactions

• Bulbous roots preventing delivery

• Limited access due to second molar proximity

• Dense surrounding bone requiring minimal expansion

Mr. Bur Diamond Sectioning Burs: The Professional's Choice

Why Diamond Burs Excel for Tooth Sectioning:

Superior Cutting Efficiency:

• Diamond-coated surface cuts through enamel and dentin with minimal pressure

• Reduced heat generation compared to carbide burs

• Consistent cutting performance throughout the procedure

• Longer operational life reduces instrument changes mid-surgery

Optimal Surgical Technique with Mr. Bur:

1. Initial Bone Removal

• Use Mr. Bur FG162 Lindemann bur for high-speed bone cutting

• Create adequate access to impacted tooth

• Maintain copious irrigation during osteotomy

2. Crown Sectioning

• Use Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur for initial crown penetration (e.g. 52L, 55L and 77L)

• Create vertical groove through crown structure

• Extended 32mm length provides superior access to posterior impacted molars

3. Root Division (when necessary)

• Continue with Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur for root separation

• Section multi-rooted teeth between roots for individual removal

• Maintain clear visualization of cutting line with extended bur length

4. Final Bone Contouring

• Use Mr. Bur Lindemann burs for precision osteotomy (HP162, HP166 and CB33R)

• Remove remaining bone obstacles and create smooth contours

• Minimize tissue trauma through controlled cutting technique

Mr. Bur Diamond Bur Advantages:

• Precise cutting depth control prevents damage to adjacent structures

• Smooth finish reduces sharp edges on sectioned fragments

• Consistent performance across different tooth densities

• Reduced chair time through efficient cutting action

Advanced Sectioning Strategies

Horizontal Impactions

Sectioning Approach:

1. Remove crown with horizontal cut using Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur

2. Section roots if necessary for individual removal

3. Elevator application becomes significantly easier

Mesioangular Impactions

Strategic Sectioning:

1. Remove distal portion of crown first

2. Use Mr. Bur's tapered diamond bur for precise cuts

3. Deliver remaining root complex as single unit when possible

Complex Multi-Rooted Extractions

Root-by-Root Technique:

1. Crown removal with Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur

2. Individual root sectioning and removal

3. Reduces force required and trauma to surrounding tissues

Common Complications and Prevention

Nerve Injury Prevention

Risk Reduction Strategies:

• Proper pre-operative imaging

• Gentle sectioning technique with Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur

• Avoid excessive force during elevation

• Consider coronectomy when appropriate

Sinus Perforation Management

Prevention Through Technique:

• Controlled osteotomy with diamond burs

• Adequate visualization before sectioning

• Gentle elevation avoiding upward pressure

Dry Socket Prevention

Surgical Considerations:

• Minimize trauma through precise sectioning

• Preserve blood clot formation

• Gentle tissue handling throughout procedure

Post-Operative Care Excellence

Immediate Post-Op Protocol

Surgical Site Management:

• Primary closure when possible

• Hemostasis verification

• Patient education on healing expectations

Pain Management Strategy

Multimodal Approach:

• Pre-emptive analgesia

• NSAID therapy

• Adjunctive medications as needed

Equipment Maintenance: Maximizing Bur Performance

Mr. Bur Diamond Bur Care

Optimal Performance Tips:

• Adequate irrigation prevents diamond coating damage

• Proper storage in organized bur blocks

• Regular inspection for wear patterns

• Replacement timing based on cutting efficiency

Signs for Bur Replacement:

• Decreased cutting efficiency

• Increased heat generation

• Visible diamond coating wear

• Irregular cutting patterns

Advanced Techniques for Complex Cases

Surgical Approach Modifications

Lingual Split Technique:

• Indicated for severely impacted lower third molars

• Requires precise sectioning with diamond burs

• Reduces post-operative swelling and trismus

Piezoelectric Surgery Integration

Combined Approach:

• Piezoelectric osteotomy for bone removal

• Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur for tooth sectioning

• Optimal tissue preservation

Excellence Through Precision

Successful wisdom tooth extraction requires more than surgical skill, it demands the right tools, proper technique, and strategic planning. Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur provide the precision and reliability that distinguish excellent oral surgeons from good ones.

You may also like: How Much Do You Know About Wisdom Teeth Extraction? 

Take Your Surgical Practice to the Next Level

Experience the Mr. Bur difference:

• Request a sample kit of our diamond sectioning burs

• Speak with our surgical specialists about technique optimization

• Join our continuing education program for advanced sectioning methods

Transform your wisdom tooth extractions from challenging procedures to predictable successes with Mr. Bur Tooth Sectioning FG Diamond Bur and Mr. Bur Lindemann Burs.

In the United States, Mr. Bur is a recognized leader in dental burs, offering advanced solutions for dental professionals nationwide. Whether you’re a general dentist, orthodontist, or specialist, our high-quality burs are designed to support a wide variety of procedures with precision and efficiency. From coast to coast, Mr. Bur’s dental tools help ensure the success of modern dental practices, from New York to California.

Diamond Burs, Carbide Burs, Surgical & Lab Use Burs, Endodontic burs, IPR Kit, Crown Cutting Kit, Gingivectomy Kit, Root Planning Kit, Orthodontic Kit,  Cosmetic Restorative 3-in-1 Kit FG, Composite Polishers, High Speed Burs, Low Speed Burs

Mr Bur Home Page All Products