Having your wisdom teeth removed is one of the most common oral surgery procedures we offer at Atlantic Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Centre. Wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars. They usually grow in behind your second molars at the very back of the upper and lower jaws between ages 17 and 25.
While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, most of the time there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to grow in fully. Without enough space to grow in, wisdom teeth can become impacted (trapped beneath the gums) or cause damage to your adjacent molars, which is why most dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth evaluated and removed early before they cause complications.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
There is no need to remove wisdom teeth if they are growing in normally, but the absence of discomfort or other symptoms does not mean that there are no problems. An X-ray evaluation with a dental professional can reveal that your wisdom teeth are growing in unfavorably or threatening the position of your healthy teeth, even before they emerge through the gums. Having wisdom teeth evaluated and removed as soon as possible may be beneficial for a number of reasons:
- It prevents discomfort and pain later on.
- It prevents infection, impaction, cysts, tumors, and other complications associated with wisdom teeth, preserving the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
- When there is not adequate space in the jaw, removal prevents your front teeth from shifting or being crowded together.
- Early removal makes recovery quicker and less complicated.
Even if your wisdom teeth are fully developed, it is a good idea to have them removed if they are threatening your oral health. Our oral surgeons have years of experience removing wisdom teeth, and they will be happy to help you determine whether removal or observation of these teeth is most beneficial.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Consultation
Before your procedure, you will have a consultation with your oral surgeon where you will learn about your procedure, anesthesia options, and aftercare instructions. If we need additional scans or X-rays, these will be captured during your consultation. You will be able to ask questions and learn more about your condition during this appointment.
Removal Procedure
First, your oral surgeon will administer your anesthetic. Most patients undergo IV anesthesia, allowing them to sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. Next, your surgeon will lift the gum tissue or bone in the path of the tooth. If your tooth is larger or more difficult to remove, the surgeon may section the tooth into smaller pieces before removing it. After your teeth are removed, the surgical sites will be sutured, and you will rest until you recover from the anesthesia. The entire appointment usually takes less than two hours and the procedure itself is requires only 20-30 minutes.
Aftercare
You will be given a complete set of post-operative instructions before and after your surgery. Once you have recovered from the sedation, your responsible driver will drive you home. Moist gauze packs applied with light pressure are used to help minimize bleeding, and ice packs can help control swelling during the first couple of days. The extraction sites will not completely heal until after a week or two, however patients may typically resume eating more substantial foods and return to their normal schedules after just a few days.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in St. John’s, NL
Our doctors at Atlantic Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Centre specialize in the extraction of wisdom teeth and the administration of in-office sedation. If you or your child is in need of wisdom teeth removal, please contact our office for more information. One of our staff members will be happy to help you.