Wisdom teeth extractions
Wisdom teeth usually appear in adults between 17 and 25 years of age. However, their eruption is not always complete, and many people present a partial eruption or inclusion that can result in pain and discomfort
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The reasons for wisdom teeth extractions
Wisdom teeth are the last molars in most people. Even if a large number of people eventually get these teeth extracted, it is not necessary for everyone.
Wisdom teeth extraction will usually be recommended in the following cases:
Your mouth is not big enough.
Most people have 28 teeth when the wisdom teeth appear, and as many of them do not have enough space to accommodate 32 teeth, this may involve the inclusion of wisdom teeth. An inclusion means that a tooth cannot erupt completely or that it is misaligned when there is a complete eruption. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth can help prevent potential complications in the jaw.
You experience chronic pain in the gums around your wisdom teeth
This pain can be a sign of infection, a common problem around the wisdom teeth that have partially erupted as food and bacteria remain trapped. By extracting these teeth, you reduce the risk of further infection.
Your wisdom teeth cause cavities in the adjacent teeth.
It is sometimes difficult to properly clean the wisdom teeth given their position in the mouth. Brushing and flossing can be challenging, but without proper oral hygiene, gingival infections and dental caries may develop. Wisdom teeth extraction can prevent tooth decay on these teeth and help prevent them on adjacent teeth.
The surgical procedure
Before the surgery date, your dentist will discuss the procedure with you and explain what to expect before, during and after the surgery. On the day of surgery, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area of extraction. A medication that helps relaxation could also be prescribed.
To extract a wisdom tooth, the dentist makes an incision in the gingival tissue around the tooth and, if necessary, removes the bone that covers it. The tooth is then extracted into a piece or cut to facilitate the operation. Once the tooth is extracted, stitches are sometimes necessary.
Several factors influence the ease of extraction of a wisdom tooth. If the tooth has completely erupted, the procedure is similar to the extraction of an ordinary tooth. However, if the tooth is completely enclosed or has not pierced the gum, oral surgery may be more complex.
Frequently Asked Questions on the surgical removal of wisdom teeth
1. What is the ideal age for the extraction of wisdom teeth?
Since each patient is unique, the ideal age is very variable. Most dentists recommend that they be extracted before their full development to avoid overlaps after the eruption. In addition, younger patients generally recover more quickly and have fewer complications than older patients
2. What happens if I decide not to extract my teeth from wisdom?
If you decide to wait until your wisdom teeth are extracted, you will need to keep an eye on your teeth because your mouth is constantly changing - and it is possible that some problems do not happen until later. As with many other health conditions, the risks increase with age; This is the case in particular of the risks related to the teeth of wisdom
3. Will all my wisdom teeth be removed?
Since each patient is unique, it is important to discuss with your dentist the options available to you. During the consultation, the clinician will evaluate the number of extractions necessary to avoid possible dental complications or correct the current problem. He/she may suggest that you extract all wisdom teeth at the same time or extract only those that are likely to cause problems.
4. What type of anesthesia will be used?
Our office uses a local anesthetic for this type of intervention.
5. How long does the intervention last?
The duration of the intervention depends on the number of extractions required. Usually the surgery lasts between one and two hours
6. How long does it take for a complete recovery after surgery?
Before talking about complete healing, it takes a few weeks and sometimes even a few months. However, after about two weeks, the discomfort felt will be within generally acceptable limits
7. Does surgery involve risks of postoperative complications?
There are different risks of postoperative complications. Two complications in particular are more likely to occur after surgical removal of wisdom teeth. Dry alveolitis is a common complication that occurs when a blood clot forms in the alveolus of the extracted tooth and when the clot detaches. Dry alveolitis usually occurs three or four days after extraction and is accompanied by pain and a foul breath. This complication is easily treated by introducing a drug into the alveolus
Paresthesia is a less common complication that occurs when nerves in the jaw bone are compressed or damaged during the process of tooth extraction. This can cause numbness (or paresthesia) of the tongue, lips or chin that can last from a few days to a few weeks, or become permanent.
8. Should I be absent from work or school?
Most patients usually take one or two days off after surgical removal of wisdom teeth. Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers that may cause dizziness or drowsiness and may interfere with your concentration. Patients are also advised to apply ice on their cheeks for at least 24 hours to avoid inflammation and swelling. Your dentist will also recommend that you avoid physical activity, which may increase bleeding. After a few days, most patients are able to resume their daily activities without too much difficulty
9. My dentist practices the extraction of wisdom teeth. Should I still consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform surgical removal of my wisdom teeth?
If your dentist does not remove wisdom teeth himself or if your case is more complex, he might recommend you to a maxillofacial surgeon. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (CBMF) are the only specialists recognized by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec following their surgical training in a hospital residency program, lasting at least four years. CBMFs are trained with medical residents in the fields of internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology, as well as spending time in otorhinolaryngology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, Other specialized fields. Their training is almost exclusively focused on the hard tissues and the soft tissues of the face, the mouth and the jaws. Their knowledge and surgical skills make them the only ones qualified to diagnose and treat functional and aesthetic problems in this anatomical region.
If you need surgery for the extraction of your wisdom teeth, we have the experience and the skills to do it. Make an appointment today for a consultation on how to extract your wisdom teeth!