WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTIONS

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of the mouth. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may need them removed due to potential problems such as impaction, crowding, or infection. At Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, we specialize in providing comfortable and professional wisdom teeth extraction services in Champions Gate.

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom.”

In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.

There are several types, or degrees, of impaction based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw:

Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth (the crown) has penetrated through the bone, but the gingiva (gum) is covering part or all of the tooth’s crown and has not positioned properly around the tooth. Because it is difficult to keep the area clean, food can become trapped below the gum and cause an infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.
Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has partially erupted, but a portion of the crown remains submerged below the gum and surrounding jawbone. Again, because it is difficult to keep the area clean, infection will commonly occur.
Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is completely encased by jawbone. This will require more complex removal techniques.

Reasons to remove wisdom teeth

While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:

Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease), and possible bone loss.
Disease: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.
Tooth Crowding: It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.

Wisdom teeth examination

As with any dental procedure, your dentist will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital X-rays will be taken in order for your dentist to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems. The X-rays can also expose additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth extractions. Only after a thorough examination can your dentist provide you with the best options for your particular case.

What does the removal of wisdom teeth involve?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, generally performed under local anesthesia or intravenous (IV) minimal sedation by a specially trained dentist in an office surgery suite. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After the procedure, most patients experience some swelling and discomfort, which can usually be managed with ice packs and prescribed pain medication. It’s important to follow our post-operative instructions, including:

Resting and avoiding strenuous activities.
Eating soft foods for the first few days.
Keeping the surgical area clean to prevent infection.

Our team will monitor your progress and ensure your recovery is as comfortable and quick as possible.

Why Choose Us for Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

At Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. With our expert team, state-of-the-art technology, and personalized care, we strive to make the wisdom teeth extraction process as seamless as possible. We work closely with each patient to address their specific concerns and tailor the treatment to their needs.

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are causing problems or you simply want to ensure they don’t lead to future complications, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to guide you through the process and provide the best care for your oral health.

Book Your Consultation Today

Ready to take the next step? Contact Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation. We are here to provide the expert care you need in a comfortable, welcoming environment.