Dental Extractions & Wisdom Teeth

Extractions

There may come a time when a tooth is deemed necessary for removal (extraction).  Some teeth are removed to alleviate pain and disease, while others to facilitate implant or orthodontic treatment.  You and your oral surgeon will discuss these options to ensure a healthy mouth.

Removal of single or multiple teeth can lead to many issues including difficult chewing, shifting of teeth, and joint problems.  To avoid these complications, you may choose to discuss replacement options (dental implants) with your dentist and oral surgeons.

Wisdom Teeth

The third molar, commonly known as a wisdom tooth, is the last tooth to develop in your mouth.  These teeth grow at the back of your jaw and usually complete development by late teens/early twenties.  Jaw growth is different for every person, as such many people cannot grow all 32 adult teeth into their mouth.  As the third molar is last to develop, often they grow in crooked or get stuck (impacted) in the bone.  This can lead to pain, cavities, gum disease and cyst/tumors.

Your oral surgeon will see you for a consultation to determine the benefit for removal of these teeth.  A special x-ray (3D scan – Cone Beam Computed Tomography) may be required to determine the position, any associated disease process and proximity to vital structures (nerve).  This information will be used to plan the surgery to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Not all third molars require removal, you and your surgeon will discuss the management of these teeth.