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Wisdom Teeth Removal
The wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge on each upper and lower arch side. Most people don't feel them coming in until they are in their late teens or early twenties. Typically, these molars can erupt through the gum line without causing problems. However, for some, the eruption of wisdom teeth can come with complications. At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we offer wisdom teeth removal to avoid any potential complications that can arise when your molar teeth erupt.
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Although they're called wisdom teeth, these teeth usually appear much later than the age when most individuals are wise.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt during people's late teens or early 20s. It can be tricky for a dentist to determine when an individual's wisdom teeth will actually emerge because every person's mouth grows differently. Many people simply do not have enough room for their wisdom teeth when they grow, which can cause them to become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections and other oral health complications.
What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is trapped underneath the gums. It is uncommon for an impacted tooth to ever erupt on its own, which is why surgical intervention is necessary. Hence it is practical to have them removed before they can cause further damage to the neighboring teeth and nerves.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Generally, there is not much room in the mouth for wisdom teeth, causing them to grow sideways or never fully emerge. This is known as impaction and can cause several problems, such as infections, cysts, and damage to other teeth. If not treated promptly, wisdom teeth can lead to expensive surgical or orthodontic treatments that patients can rather avoid.
Here are some of the reasons to have your wisdom teeth removed.
- Impaction - If your teeth do not grow at the proper angle, they can become impacted. An impacted tooth is one that is unable to break through the gums, causing pain and swelling around the affected area. In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can damage neighboring teeth or cause an infection to develop. Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent this issue from occurring. While some people may not have any issues with their third molars, others may experience problems down the line. It is best to extract them early to prevent these issues.
- Cysts - If your teeth are impacted far below the surface of your gum line, you may develop cysts. These fluid-filled sacs are often painful and cause pressure to build up in the mouth. The tissue around them can become infected as well. It is generally best to extract these teeth right away.
- Dental Crowding - When your wisdom teeth come in at an improper angle, they may force other teeth to move or become overcrowded. This can result in crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Removing these teeth can help prevent this from occurring.
- Gum Disease - When your teeth are crowded, or you have a poor oral hygiene routine, you may be more likely to develop gum disease around adjacent teeth. This makes removing your wisdom teeth all the more important. Without the third molars, you can prevent further complications from developing.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- Extracting the wisdom teeth can prevent infections, dental shifting, and damage to adjoining teeth or gum tissue. Future treatment for oral health problems like these can be pretty expensive.
- The earlier wisdom teeth are removed, the quicker the recovery period. Minor, less-developed molars are easier to extract. Faster healing means less time away from your other activities.
- There are often fewer complications, such as swelling, bleeding, and discomfort, when wisdom teeth are extracted at a younger age. An easier, quicker, complication-free recovery converts into lower costs for you.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
After you consult with our dentist, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and discuss your options for anesthesia. In case of extreme anxiety, we offer sedation options to make you comfortable throughout the wisdom tooth removal.
We will begin the surgery by making incisions in the gum tissue to expose the teeth and then remove them using dental tools. Impacted wisdom teeth may need to be broken down into tiny pieces for easier removal. The incision site will be closed with dissolvable stitches to promote speedy healing. Then you will rest until the anesthesia wears off.
Aftercare for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
You should remain on a soft diet for at least three days following the wisdom teeth removal surgery. A regular diet can be gradually introduced after this period. Avoid smoking or using a straw, as this could disturb the blood clot and result in a dry socket.
To learn more about our wisdom tooth extractions, visit our office, Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, at 11960 88 Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3C8, Canada. You can also reach us at 778.200.8556 and schedule an appointment.