Wisdom teeth are molars found in the back of your mouth that emerge in your late teens. Wisdom teeth are commonly poorly aligned and don’t have enough space to grow properly, damaging the surrounding teeth and causing pain and infections. This is why most people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth do not always come out from under your gums properly aligned with the rest of your molars. As a matter of fact, this is rare as wisdom teeth are usually impacted, meaning they are not able to come out properly through your gum line due to lack of space, misalignment, and the proximity of adjacent teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

After an oral examination and evaluation of the X-rays of your mouth, your dentist will pursue the most suitable wisdom tooth removal technique for your individual oral situation.

Extraction is performed under general anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. You will be prescribed highly effective pain medications to reduce discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. There may be a bit of swelling around the extraction area, which should subside within 3-4 days.

Not all wisdom teeth (third molars) need to be removed. Dr. Mann will recommend only the most optimal procedure to our patients. Call us to book a quick and affordable evaluation appointment today.

If your wisdom teeth cramp up against other teeth, grow at odd angles, or don’t emerge from the gum line, they are said to be ‘impacted’. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts inside your jaw bone or injure or infect the adjacent teeth. We recommend early wisdom tooth evaluation and extraction to prevent these common symptoms of wisdom teeth and to maintain great oral health and hygiene.

Why It’s Important to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted

Although oral surgery might sound frightening, getting rid of these teeth early may do you more good than harm. Here are the reasons:

• Impacted wisdom teeth: Where your wisdom teeth are trapped in your gums or jawbone, causing pain.
• Cause damage to other teeth: The additional set of molars may push your other teeth, causing pain, bite issues, and crowding.
• Cause jaw damage: Cysts may form around the wisdom teeth, damage the nerves, and hollow out the jaws.
• Inflame your gums: Wisdom teeth may be hard to clean due to their position. This may cause the tissue around them to swell and get cavities or gum disease.
• Sinus Issues: Wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

Wisdom teeth may be easily extracted by your dentist or require a common surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon. After an examination, the dentist will have more information for you about the type of extraction you’ll need. You may have all four teeth removed at once or you may have them removed gradually at more than one appointment.

Before your extraction is even booked, your dentist will want to take a good look at your teeth and jaw. You will have X-rays taken, which are then carefully examined to see how your wisdom teeth are coming in and what your root structure looks like. This information will tell us if your wisdom teeth need to come out if they can be simply extracted, or if you require surgery. We don’t want any surprises!

At your initial exam, our staff will give you more information about what to expect and how to prepare. Based on your preferences and the professional opinion of your doctor, local freezing or local anesthesia will be administered. We use minimally invasive techniques to remove teeth as gently as possible. We want you to feel comfortable and have a speedy recovery.

We may ask you to bring a friend or family member to stay with you at the practice, drive you home after and spend some time with you while you recover. You will be given aftercare instructions, including handy tips on what to do and what to avoid for the quickest and most comfortable recovery. If you have any additional concerns, we’re here for you and would urge you to give us a call.