Surgical wisdom extraction can reduce pain and discomfort, making life (and chewing) much more comfortable.
It is a procedure in which a dentist surgically removes a patient’s wisdom teeth. Surgical wisdom extraction may be necessary for patients who need orthodontic treatment, experience impactions, or who simply do not have enough room for the teeth to fully erupt.
Some people experience issues as soon as the teeth start to erupt. Others never have problems with their teeth, though that does not mean the teeth are not causing damage. Here are some signs it is time for surgical wisdom extraction.
When the teeth shift, it can disrupt occlusal (bite) balance, which puts extra pressure on certain teeth and the jaw joint. The result:
Wisdom teeth can be impacted in the jawbone or the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause:
Some people simply do not have enough room in their mouth for an extra set of molars. When those teeth try to come through, it can shift the bite leading to misalignment.
In addition to the extra pressure on the teeth, which can cause pain and cracked or broken teeth, wisdom teeth can make the other teeth crooked.
If the situation is not addressed promptly, the patient might need orthodontic treatment to remedy their bite and straighten the teeth.
If a patient does not have enough room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth, those teeth can cause a shift in the patient’s dentition, resulting in crowding and crooked teeth. Since there is not enough space to adequately fit all 32 teeth, braces are not a recommended remedy for straightening the teeth until the wisdom teeth are out.
A cyst is a sac of fluid that grows around or next to the tooth. Left untreated, it can damage the jawbone and roots of adjacent teeth.
Crookedness and crowding make dental home care difficult. Inadequate cleaning can result in decay.
If it is difficult to clean the teeth, it is difficult to thoroughly clean the gums. Over time, the gums become inflamed and tender, and eventually, gum disease develops leading to:
The benefits of removing wisdom teeth are numerous. They include:
First, the dentist will numb the teeth. Using a scalpel, they will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose each wisdom tooth. Then, using forceps and other instruments, they will release the tooth from the jawbone and gums.
Once the wisdom teeth are out, the dentist will suture the incision and provide the patient with post-operative instructions.
Here are the answers to our patients’ most common questions.
The cost depends on:
Our dental team will discuss costs and co-pays based on insurance estimates and payment plans available to them.
Patients should talk to their physician about potential premedication or discontinuation of medication prior to surgery. Additionally, arrangements should be made to have someone drive the patient to and from the appointment. If prescribed oral sedation medication, the patient needs to have the prescription filled and take as per their dentist’s instructions.
Many patients ask us if there are surgical wisdom extraction risks like pain. Patients should not experience any pain during the procedure because of adequate local anesthesia, as well as sedation.
Wondering where to get surgical wisdom extraction? Most patients want to go to a high-quality dentist but do not want to drive a long way to get there.
To make dental visits more convenient, we have recently opened a second office in Stoney Creek. Now, when patients need to schedule a surgical wisdom extraction or a routine dental cleaning, they can feel at ease knowing they are going to get great care in a location that is close to home.
Do you need surgical wisdom extraction? Contact our office for a comprehensive exam and consultation. We will explain the best course of action for a healthier smile.
A Monthly Blog to Keep Up with Your Dental Health