At 4th Avenue Dental Centre, your friendly general dentist in Calgary, Alberta, we are committed to our patient’s dental health and longevity. We offer a range of oral surgery services to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums, including wisdom teeth extractions.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these teeth cause no problems and do not need to be removed. However, in some cases, wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other complications, requiring them to be extracted.
At 4th Avenue Dental Centre, we understand the importance of providing our patients with the highest quality care and the latest treatments. Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to helping patients maintain optimal oral health, including the safe and effective removal of wisdom teeth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems that may necessitate their removal. Some of the most common reasons for extracting wisdom teeth include:
- Impacted Teeth: When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to fully emerge from the gums, they can become impacted, or trapped, beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and even damage to neighboring teeth.
- Crowding: If your jaw is too small to accommodate your wisdom teeth, they may push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding and misalignment.
- Infection: Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted through the gums can be difficult to clean, leading to infection and gum disease.
- Decay: Wisdom teeth are difficult to reach and clean properly, making them more susceptible to decay and cavities.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
Prior to extraction, your dentist will examine your teeth and take x-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and the best course of action for their removal. In some cases, only one wisdom tooth may need to be extracted, while in others, all four may need to be removed.
The actual extraction procedure will depend on the position of your wisdom teeth and whether they are fully or partially erupted. For fully erupted teeth, the extraction is similar to that of any other tooth. Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia and use specialized instruments to loosen and remove the tooth.
For partially erupted or impacted teeth, a small incision may need to be made in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Your dentist will carefully remove any bone that is blocking the tooth and gently extract it from the socket.
After the tooth has been removed, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site to help stop any bleeding. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including how to manage any pain or discomfort and when to return for a follow-up appointment.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most people experience some swelling and discomfort following wisdom tooth extraction, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. You will need to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few days and avoid drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
It is also important to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. Your dentist may recommend gently rinsing your mouth with salt water or a specialized mouthwash to promote healing and prevent bacteria from forming.
While recovery times can vary depending on the individual, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a week of their procedure. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your healing progress and remove any stitches that may have been placed during the procedure.
Why Choose 4th Avenue Dental Centre for Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
At 4th Avenue Dental Centre in Calgary, Alberta, we understand that the thought of having your wisdom teeth removed can be intimidating. That’s why we are committed to providing a comfortable and supportive environment for our patients throughout the extraction process.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extractions or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable dental professionals is here to help you every step of the way.