At WestVan Family dental, we believe the best and safest treatment options for wisdom teeth extraction is early detection and early removal/extraction.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Challenges of Wisdom Teeth
By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be not ideal when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”
Reasons for Wisdom teeth extraction
Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt in the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, they do not need removal. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. Extraction is necessary when they cannot properly erupt. They may grow sideways, partially emerge, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take various positions in the bone as they attempt to erupt.
Poorly positioned teeth cause several problems. When partially erupted, bacteria can grow, causing infection, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt alignment. The most serious problem is when tumors or cysts form, destroying the jawbone and healthy teeth. Early removal decreases surgical risks and future problems
Call Dr. Oonchi today (604) 912-0777 to learn more and to schedule your consult.
Tooth Extraction Process
Step 1: Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth Dr Oonchi can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future issues.
Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist.
Step 2:Removal
In most cases, wisdom tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas, or IV sedation. Options are discussed before the procedure.
After removal, the gum is sutured, and gauze is used to control bleeding. You’ll rest under supervision until ready to go home. A postoperative kit includes instructions, pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment.
