Extractions and Wisdom Teeth
There are many reasons a dentist may refer you to us for the removal of a tooth. Tooth decay or fracture may render the tooth unsalvageable, or you may have an impacted wisdom tooth. The removal of impacted wisdom teeth, or other troublesome teeth, is best suited for the expert training of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Dr Ross has specialized OMFS training five years after his dentistry degree and is able to administer IV medications. Further, we have a recovery room nurse present for all sedations, as will soon be required by the PDBNS.
Wisdom teeth often begin erupting in the mouth between the ages of 15 to 25. Everyone has a different growth rate, which explains why each person may have wisdom teeth removed at slightly different ages.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt within the mouth. Most often, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for these teeth. Because of the lack of space, the wisdom teeth often become mal-aligned. These mal-aligned wisdom teeth can cause pain, pressure, infection and damage to the adjacent molars. Sometimes these problems can occur without having any prior signs or symptoms.
A special (panoramic) radiograph taken of the jaw is best and recommended to see the condition of the wisdom teeth.
There are usually four wisdom teeth in total, and each one may be partially erupted, erupted inside the mouth, or still located under the gum or bone tissue. The tooth still located under the gum or bone tissue is known as an impacted tooth.
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will often recommend the removal of wisdom teeth in a young adult. This is because the risks involved with the removal of wisdom teeth greatly increase with age. This is also the case with the recovery period: the older one is, the longer the recovery period tends to be.
At the initial consultation appointment with your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, the appropriate post-extraction care instructions will be explained in detail and any potential complications and the normal post-extraction course will also be well explained. Following any extractions, our clinic gives detailed post-extraction care instructions verbally; further, you will take home a printed sheet of those verbal instructions. We are available for any post operative questions you may have. Following the instructions ensures a fast and proper recovery.
Missing teeth can make your cheeks look hollow and your mouth look sunken. More importantly, your diet can suffer. Those missing multiple teeth in a row may want to consider dentures for both cosmetic purposes and overall wellness. Depending on the amount of teeth missing, we may suggest partial or full dentures. During your consultation, we’ll assess all your options and you can choose what you feel most comfortable with.
Source: Canadian Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons