Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing one or more of the third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. These teeth typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While not everyone needs to remove their wisdom teeth, the procedure is often recommended when these teeth cause problems or pose a risk to oral health.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop in our mouths, located at the very back of the jaw. For some people, wisdom teeth emerge without any issues and fit comfortably alongside the other teeth. However, due to a lack of space in the jaw, these teeth become problematic for many, leading to impaction, misalignment, or other dental complications. Our dentist will continue to stay on top of your wisdom teeth with X-rays and check-ups to determine the best time for wisdom tooth extraction in Burlington.
One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is impaction, where the teeth fail to fully erupt through the gumline. This can occur because there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the teeth to grow properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and even infections.
When wisdom teeth push against neighbouring teeth, they can cause crowding or misalignment issues (and lead to pain and discomfort). This can disrupt orthodontic work or undo the results of braces.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create openings in the gums, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infections or gum disease.
Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, making them difficult to clean. As a result, they are more prone to cavities and decay, which can affect surrounding teeth and oral health.
Removing wisdom teeth is often a preventive measure to avoid the issues above; therefore, our dentist in Burlington may recommend extraction even if your teeth are not currently causing problems, but X-rays show a likelihood of issues in the future. Wisdom teeth removal surgery can be beneficial for various reasons:
Before the procedure, our dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes examining X-rays to assess the position and condition of the wisdom teeth and discussing your medical history.
We’ll remove your wisdom teeth under general anesthesia so you will not feel any pain or discomfort. We’ll ensure you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible during the procedure.
If the tooth has fully erupted, the dentist can easily remove it with forceps. For impacted teeth, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth may be broken into smaller pieces to facilitate removal.
If necessary, stitches are used to close the incision site. Modern stitches are dissolvable and do not require a follow-up visit for removal.
After wisdom teeth extraction surgery, we’ll provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of infection.
Most people recover from wisdom tooth extraction within a week, although full healing of the surgical site may take several weeks. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities within 2-3 days, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Common post-procedure symptoms include swelling, mild discomfort, and some bleeding, all of which can be managed comfortably at home. It’s very important to follow the aftercare instructions we provide you to ensure you heal properly and to prevent infection.
If your wisdom teeth have become impacted or you’re experiencing pain, it’s very important to contact us about having your wisdom teeth removed. Prolonging treatment can lead to infection and negatively affect your overall health. We perform wisdom teeth removal in Burlington and will ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Contact us today to book an appointment and to learn more about this surgical procedure.
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