Wisdom Teeth Removal
Remove Your Wisdom Teeth To Avoid Complications
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Your wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the lower and upper jaws and are usually the last set to grow in the mouth. Most people don’t feel them coming in until they’re in their late teens or early twenties. Normally, these molars can erupt through the gum line without causing problems.
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For some, however, the development of these teeth come with complications. At R and A Dentistry, we offer wisdom teeth removal in Calgary to avoid any potential complications that can arise when your back teeth erupt.
The Removal Process
Regular trips to the dentist will allow them to monitor the progress of tooth development from an early age, until adulthood. The dentist will be able to evaluate your molars and recommend removal if their development will cause complications in the mouth.
Wisdom tooth removal can be a fairly simple procedure, or a bit more complicated depending on the reason for removal. For instance, a severely impacted tooth will involve a more surgical procedure than a minor one.
Typically all of the molars are removed at the same time during your visit to the dentist, versus removing them individually. This reduces the need for repeat surgery and recovery times.
It is important to note that proper dental hygiene and care is important for the health of all of your teeth at all times. If you’re brushing and flossing regularly, you’re more likely to spot symptoms of trouble with your wisdom teeth early and report it to the dentist.
On the other hand, regular visits will allow the dentist to spot complications early on and monitor tooth growth. When your molars are removed, you should be diligent with oral care to avoid infections and complications.
Complications With Wisdom Teeth
The back of the mouth is often much more crowded, leaving a narrow space for the teeth to erupt. When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to come in, it’s considered impacted. The tooth may become twisted, lean to the side or become displaced as it struggles to emerge from the gum line. If you have had braces in the past, it is a good idea to get your molars removed before they move other teeth around to make room for growing in.
There are different degrees of impaction, from minimal to severe. Below are the most common types of impactions:
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Soft tissue impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth emerges from the jawbone, but never erupts through the gum line
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Partial impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth only partially erupts from the gum line
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Complete bony impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is encased in the jaw bone and never emerges
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Impacted wisdom teeth of any degree can lead to infection and gum disease if left untreated. It’s possible to have an impacted tooth and not experience any symptoms. This lends to the importance of regular visits to your dentist to keep an eye on the progress of the developing teeth. Extraction is usually recommended for impacted wisdom teeth to prevent infection and complications.
Crowding
It is possible that your teeth emerge fine, but may not have enough room to sit comfortably inside the mouth. Without enough space, your wisdom teeth can push against your other molars. They may lean or tilt, and this can lead to problems with the nerves, jawbone or adjacent teeth.
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If crowding occurs, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction for preventative purposes so you don’t develop complications with your teeth later.
Signs Of Infection
Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms of an underlying problem. If you do develop symptoms, it’s likely that the gum around the impacted tooth has become affected. Symptoms of infection include:
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Inflammation of the gum over and around the impacted tooth
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Pain in the gum line, jaw or temples
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Bleeding gums
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Fever and chills
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Jaw stiffness or trouble completely opening the mouth
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In some cases, pain and discomfort from an infected wisdom tooth can become severe. Unless removed, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to gum disease and decay. Regular dental visits and routine x-rays can catch problems with your molars early.
Pericoronitis
This is a dental infection caused when a wisdom tooth can’t fully erupt. Partial or incomplete eruption allows food and plaque to get inside the gum tissue. It becomes lodged inside and allows bacteria to cause an infection. If this is the case, the gum tissue can become very irritated and swollen.
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People often experience a bad taste in the mouth that won’t go away with brushing, mouthwash or using breath fresheners. They may also have bad breath or notice discharge from the area around the affected tooth.
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If you develop any of these symptoms, consult your dentist or doctor right away. Antibiotics are sometimes required to cure pericoronitis.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment Today!
R & A Dentistry offers full-service dental exams, cleanings and a variety of dental services in Downtown Calgary. With flexible, available appointments, we can work around your busy schedule to help you stay on top of your dental health, today and into the future.
Contact us today to schedule your next visit, or let us answer any questions you have about our services. For appointments, call (403) 209-2299 today.