Extractions / Wisdom Teeth

Oral Surgery and Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you did not have your wisdom teeth removed when you were a young adult and the teeth are now affecting your oral health, you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Sometimes the wisdom teeth only partially emerge throughout the gums and this can cause issues such as an infection in the mouth or gum disease. Even though you may not experience any pain, some teeth might need to be extracted if they are partially decayed or if you have cysts around the teeth.

Reasons for wisdom teeth removal

Some of the reasons why you may need to get your wisdom teeth removed, include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the back of the jaw because of impacted teeth

  • Prevent further tissue infection

  • Protect against cysts forming around wisdom teeth

  • Protect adjacent teeth and overall oral health

  • Tumors

  • Lower likelihood of gum disease

 

How Wisdom Teeth Extractions Are Performed

Wisdom teeth extractions can be performed at the dentist’s office or at an oral surgeon’s office. Basic extractions involve numbing the area and pulling the tooth out with a set of forceps and can be done right at our practice. More complex procedures will require the work of an oral surgeon and are usually performed under anesthesia or with sedation dentistry services. We refer patients to an excellent oral surgeon if this is the case.

Other Oral Surgery Procedures

Oral surgery may be necessary to ensure optimal functioning of dentures, improve bone anatomy, and to improve your overall oral health. Here are some other oral surgery procedures that we may recommend, outside of wisdom tooth extractions:

  • Jaw Bone Reduction (alveolectomy)

  • Frenectomy – Removes band of muscle tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, and base of the mouth

  • Removal of Ends of Tooth (apicoectomy) – Usually performed after a root canal fails

  • Root Amputation (hemisection) – May be necessary after a tooth fracture or periodontal disease

  • Crown Lengthening – One form of periodontal plastic surgery to improve aesthetics of the gums and create room for a dental restoration

  • Incision and Drainage – Helps reduce pressure from a dental abscess

If you think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed or are interested in learning more about oral surgery options, schedule your consultation today!