WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION
By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth or molar teeth are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
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Many mouths are made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
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Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
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Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth.
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They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.
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These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and can eventually . The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth.
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The most serious problem occurs when tumours or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
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Oral Examination
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With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, our dentists can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient.
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All surgery is performed under appropriate anaesthesia to maximise patient comfort.
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Removal
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The removal of wisdom teeth is performed either under local anaesthesia or, where indicated, IV sedation. These options as well as the surgical risks (i.e. sensory nerve damage, sinus complications) will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured.
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To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision until you are ready to be taken home. You will also be provided with home care instructions. However, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us the clinic on 01276 63857.
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Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. Where IV sedation is being provided, you will be in the safe hands of a sedationist, a dental surgeon, a dental nurse and a recovery nurse, all of whom have special training in this discipline of anaesthesia. Modern monitoring equipment is also utilised to ensure your maximum comfort and safety.
"I chose the Cedar Clinic for my orthodontic treatment as it was recommended to me by my dentist. The practice was and still is very friendly and as I was a very nervous patient the staff and particularly Sharan Gill, the orthodontist, always very calming and patient with me. I would recommend the Cedar Clinic to anyone – I also had whitening treatment and a wisdom tooth taken out at the practice. Sharan always takes an interest in me. She makes me feel more like a friend than a patient. Keep up the good work."
★★★★★
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- Stacey Wood -