Removal of Erupted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars out of three that erupt in the back of the mouth. For most individuals, this happens between the ages of 16 and 22, although it can vary. While the eruption of wisdom teeth doesn’t always cause a problem, in many cases, it can cause pain, discomfort, swelling, and crowding, which is why most people require extraction. At Smile365 Dental in Langley, British Columbia, we offer surgical extraction of wisdom teeth.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Molars are vital tools in chewing and digestion food, and all humans are born with three sets. Most anthropologists believe that while these third sets of molars were once necessary for chewing and grinding tough foods, the way our diets have evolved no longer makes them essential.
What Happens If Wisdom Teeth Are Not Removed?
Wisdom teeth appear very late in the development of the oral structures, which means by the time they erupt, there is often not enough room in the mouth for them. Lack of space can cause wisdom teeth to remain under the gums (impacted) or emerge partially. In both situations, this can lead to potential problems such as bacterial infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and bone loss around the roots.
Two Types of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The type of extraction needed will depend on whether the teeth have fully erupted.
- Simple Extraction. If wisdom teeth have fully emerged above the gum line, a simple extraction can be used. The dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic before loosening the tooth and pulling it out.
- Surgical Extraction. A surgical extraction will be required if your wisdom teeth have not fully erupted or are completely impacted beneath the gum line. During a surgical extraction, an incision is made into the gum during a surgical extraction to remove the tooth and root. The tooth is often cut out in sections to keep the incision site small. Surgical extractions are usually carried out using both oral conscious sedation and local anaesthetic.
Following the procedure, there will be some bleeding, swelling, and soreness around the extraction site. Your incisions will be packed with gauze, and we will provide you with specific care instructions to prevent any complications during recovery.
At Smile365 Dental in Langley, British Columbia, we’re proud to offer all our patients a wide range of dental services, including the removal of wisdom teeth. Call us at (604) 409-8660 to schedule an appointment.
