Dental extractions are an unfortunate aspect of dentistry that you have to come across. Generally they are known as being painful and tedious procedures. However, modern technology allows for your wisdom tooth to be extracted with minimal discomfort and no pain. Local anaesthetics can be administered to numb the area and sedatives can also be an option to those who are feeling anxious about the procedure.
Wisdom teeth are also known as our third molars. They are usually the final teeth that develop, during our late teens or early twenties. A majority of people will have four wisdom teeth. However, don’t be surprised if not all of your wisdom teeth develop. Visiting your dentist consistently allows for your wisdom teeth to be monitored via oral examinations and digital X-rays on a regular basis.
It is not always necessary to have your wisdom teeth removed. However, in most cases it is advised to remove them. In fact, statistics from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons show that about 85% of wisdom teeth will need to be removed. As late-developing teeth, wisdom teeth can be disruptive to the gums and often grow crooked. If you choose not to remove such teeth, you will be at a higher likelihood of infection, decay and possibly pain in the future.
Ultimately not all wisdom teeth need to be removed although your dentist would be able to advise you about your wisdom teeth during your dental examination. Even if you are not currently suffering from pain, a thorough examination can show whether the direction of growth will lead to crowding or misalignment in the future.
Most people begin to develop their wisdom teeth during their teenage years or early twenties. However, not all wisdom teeth will develop at the same time or at the same rate. Despite this, these youth years are often the best time to have your wisdom teeth extracted. According to the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the earlier removal of wisdom teeth reduces the likelihood of complications. Surgeries on older adults often take longer to heal and can lead to more significant complications.
If you did not have your wisdom teeth removed in your twenties, speak to a dentist about your options. If you are in good health, you will likely be a strong candidate for wisdom teeth extractions. Further, if you are suffering from tooth pain around your wisdom teeth, seek a dentist immediately.
At D.R. Dental, we offer a full package for wisdom teeth removal, with pre-operative and post-operative care provided for all of our patients. During an initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and appropriately recommend wisdom tooth removal if necessary.
On the day of the wisdom tooth removal, you will be provided with a local anaesthetic or a sedative. During the tooth extraction, your dentist will cut the elastic fibres that holds your tooth in its cavity. The tooth will be removed, and the cavity may be filled with bone grafting material to improve the overall stability of your other teeth. The area will then be closed to promote healing.
After the procedure, you will be provided with prescriptions for pain if needed. We also encourage our patients to use ice packs to reduce swelling and promote healing. The recovery period will generally take a few days.
We have appointments available for new and existing patients who are interested in wisdom teeth extraction. Call us today or leave us a message on our contact form. If you need an emergency dental extraction, call us for immediate service. We have been serving the Etobicoke community for years.