Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your wisdom teeth are the final set of molars (back teeth) to develop. Anyone over the age of 16 should get their wisdom evaluated, as they tend to start erupting around this timeframe. In most cases, these third molars are fully developed by a person’s late 20s.
Our practice is equipped with an on-site OPG machine to evaluate the size and position of wisdom teeth, to help determine if removal is necessary. We typically perform a wisdom tooth assessment during your preventative checkup, as part of the exam.
Some of the symptoms to look for include
- Little space in the back of the mouth
- Pain in your upper or lower jaw
- Food trapping
- Swelling
- Crowding in other teeth
- Infections or cysts
- Problems in healthy, adjacent teeth
Often times we remove wisdom teeth not because of the third molars themselves, but because of the damage they inflict on surrounding teeth and bone structure. Since most people have access to dental care, they’re able to preserve and retain their other teeth. By the time wisdom teeth start to erupt, they’re non-functional and there’s little to no space available for them. As a result, they press into neighbouring teeth, putting them at risk for decay, periodontal disease or nerve damage.
Wisdom teeth often lead to pain and pressure in your jaws. By removing them proactively, we can ease discomfort and prevent damage to your surrounding smile.
Even when they do erupt – if only partially – their location in the back of the mouth makes them difficult to clean and care for. As such, wisdom teeth tend to get decay or gum disease, both of which are conditions that can spread to adjacent teeth. By extracting your third molars as soon as they start to exhibit problems, you can help to preserve the health of your overall smile.
Consultation for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Your first visit is the most important. During this consultation we’ll take an X-ray of your jaws to determine the complexity of your case and if an extraction is recommended. If it is, we’ll then review the different types of sedation that are available. It could be that the case is quite simple, only requiring local anaesthetic. Most of our wisdom tooth extractions can be performed under happy gas/nitrous oxide. However, more complex situations may be better suited for IV sedation.
Since we’re able to provide safe and relaxing sleep dentistry in our practice, most wisdom teeth extractions can be completed without a referral to an outside provider. That way you’re able to work with a trusted, experienced dental team who you already have a personal relationship with.
Self-care and a limited diet will help you along through your recovery. Plan to stick to soft foods for the first several days. Avoid drinking through a straw, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol and hard foods, which could disrupt your surgical site.
Applying a cool compress and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can keep discomfort at bay. If for any reason you find yourself experiencing pain, redness or prolonged bleeding, reach out to our practice straightaway.
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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
