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Extraction of Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are an important asset to the mouth only
when they are healthy and properly positioned. However,
problems often occur that require their removal. When
the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth,
they can become impacted. The Wisdom teeth may then
grow sideways, may remain trapped beneath the gum and
bone or emerge only part way through the gums.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is normally
recommended when:
• Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves
an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and
cause an infection.
• There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom
teeth will damage adjacent teeth by putting pressure
on the other teeth.
• A cyst forms, damaging surrounding structures
such as bone or tooth roots.
Benefits of early removal of wisdom teeth, around the
age of 16-18, can help you to avoid future problems.
At a younger age:
-tooth roots are not fully developed
-the surrounding bone is softer
-there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other
structures
-there is less surgical risk
-healing is generally faster
They should be removed to:
-Reduce the chance of unexplained pain.
-Accommodate a prosthetic appliance.
-Avoid cavities in wisdom teeth and the teeth around
them.
-Avoid periodontal disease.
-Avoid biting interference .
-Avoid disruption of natural alignment causing teeth
to shift.
-Avoid bone shrinkage.
-Avoid cyst formation (a sac filled with infected fluid
around the crown of the tooth, like a water balloon).
-When they cannot erupt into an acceptable position.
-When the roots may not be fully developed to decrease
the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
-Avoid check biting
We do about 85% of our own extractions,
however some cases are beyond our scope and require
the treatment to be completed by an Oral Surgeon so
a referral is given in many situations.
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