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Wisdom Teeth

The average adult has 32 teeth– all of which have their own role as well as name. Whereas the canines, incisors, and bicuspids found at the front of the mouth are used for biting and grasping, the back teeth or molars are used for chewing. However, while most adults have all 32 of these teeth, the average mouth in turn can only hold about 28 teeth. These extra teeth are referred to as the third molars, but they have a more commonly known name: wisdom teeth. While most people have naturally occurring wisdom teeth, these third molars can cause a host of issues.

Why Remove Them?

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

When wisdom teeth align as they should in the mouth, removal isn’t necessary. However, because wisdom teeth are the last to come in, this isn’t usually the case. When wisdom teeth aren’t erupting properly, they can cause crowding and pain, as well as potentially come in sideways or not break the gum’s surface at all. When a tooth won’t erupt, or is “stuck”, this is known as an impacted tooth.

When a tooth erupts only partially, this opens the area up to bacteria and infection. This causes pain and discomfort, namely swelling and stiffness, in the mouth– and can also cause illness. It’s also important to note that the pressure from a wisdom tooth attempting to erupt can cause problems with the alignment of the rest of your teeth. In some cases, tumors or cysts can even occur, which deteriorates the teeth as well as the jawbone as a whole. Because of these issues, early removal of wisdom teeth is advised.

ORAL EXAM

Examination

In order to determine the position of the wisdom teeth, an oral examination as well as x-rays are necessary. The earlier that evaluation and treatment are conducted, the statistically better the outcome. Most commonly, oral surgeons, dentists, or orthodontists evaluate patients in their mid-teens.

Our doctors are highly trained and licensed in administering different kinds of anesthesia, and all outpatient surgery is performed under the appropriate method for each individual case so that patients are comfortable and at ease.

REMOVAL

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Local or general anesthesia or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is most commonly used during wisdom tooth removal. The nature of these options as well as any potential risks will be discussed with you prior to surgery. After your wisdom teeth have been extracted, your gum will be sutured and you will be instructed to bite down on the provided gauze to minimize bleeding. You will be given a postoperative kit with instructions and any necessary prescriptions and follow-up appointments, which you will take home once discharged. For any questions following discharge, please feel free to call our office.

At Summit Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we are committed to an environment of the utmost safety and comfort. Our staff are highly experienced in administering anesthesia and we use contemporary, state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUEsTIONS

What Dental Prosthetic Options are Available?
In the case of one missing tooth, a single prosthesis – also known as a crown – is used. In this instance, the artificial tooth is affixed to one implant. However, in the case of multiple missing teeth a partial prosthesis (or fixed bridge) may be used, requiring only two or three implants. For the replacement of a full set of teeth, the number of implants used to attach your fixed bridge will vary depending on different factors. You have two main options: a removable prosthesis (an overdenture using ball-in-socket attachments or a bar) or a fixed prosthesis which can only be removed or adjusted by your dentist.

At Summit Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we provide surgical procedures in our state-of-the-art in-house operating suite. For those who have unique medical requirements, such as certain anesthetic accommodations or extensive bone grafting, an inpatient hospital treatment may be necessary.

Why Choose Dental Implants?
No tooth replacement solution offers the same long-term results, restored functionality, and peace of mind as implants. Whether you’ve lived with missing teeth for years or have only recently lost them, it can be a challenging and painful experience.

Implants can restore your confidence and provide renewed oral health.

While dental implants are a modern development, their history traces back nearly four decades prior to the innovations of Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark. His revolutionary efforts laid the groundwork for countless people dealing with the embarrassment and daily difficulties of missing one or more teeth.

What are the Benefits of Implants Over Traditional Restoration Methods?
Both bridges and dentures have their limits. In the case of dental bridges, jawbone deterioration is still a risk and damage to the surrounding teeth may occur. Dentures and partials create inconveniences and embarrassments, as well cause discomfort for the wearer.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
An extensive oral examination, as well as review of your dental history, is necessary to determine candidacy for implants. If implants may not initially work for you, however, methods such as bone grafting may be able to create a strong foundation for implant procedures.
What Anesthesia Is Used In a Dental Implant Procedure?
Most implant procedures are done in-office with the use of local anesthesia, either with or without additional general anesthesia depending on the individual case.
How are Implants Cared For?
Implants last many years with proper care. As with natural teeth, good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dentist appointments will ensure that your implants are in top shape.

Contact us today to request a consultation appointment for wisdom tooth removal. For information on our general tooth extraction procedures, click here.

Extractions