This protocol is designed to diagnose, evaluate and treat individuals in need of third molar (wisdom teeth) removal to obtain teeth, bone and soft tissues for further research studies.

Each individual will have a thorough evaluation during the screening process, including a review of the current and past medical history, and an appropriate limited physical examination as indicated. Other routine diagnostic procedures and tests may be performed to determine a subject's eligibility for this protocol. These tests and procedures are of minimal risk and will be expressed in more detail in Section III, Study Procedures.

Once the evaluation process is completed and eligibility is determined, the subjects will be informed of their option to participate in this study. If they choose not to participate in the study, recommendations for other treatment opportunities may be given to the individual, their primary dentist/physician, or referring dentist/physician.

Consenting subjects will have from one to four wisdom teeth removed using standard surgical procedures. One or more of the following tissues will be obtained for use in laboratory studies of NIDCR investigators: one to four wisdom teeth, small fragments of oral mucosa, small biopsies of alveolar bone from the mandibular and/or the maxillary sockets that contained the wisdom teeth, and excess gingival tissues from the extraction sockets. All subjects will be monitored after the surgical procedures and will receive post-operative care as needed.

• INCLUSION CRITERIA

  1. Both male and female volunteers referred for third molar extraction
  2. Patients who are between the ages of 16 to 50 years
  3. Patients who are in general good health - American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status I or II (healthy subjects based upon criteria for safe administration of out-patient conscious sedation)

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

1. Patients who are pregnant or nursing
2. Patients who have a clinical sign suggestive of infection, inflammation, or pre-existing pain at extraction site(s)
3. Patients who are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant therapy.
4. Patients who have unusual surgical difficulty (determined from panoramic radiograph or during actual surgery)