Procedures
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
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Wisdom teeth, or third molars, 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 generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. 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 successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems.
Early removal of impacted wisdom teeth can prevent pain, crowding of existing teeth, infection and even tumors. Complication rates are much higher for wisdom teeth removed from older adults.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and a panoramic x-ray of the mouth, Dr. Allard can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if there are present or may be future problems. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Wisdom teeth removal is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Allard and his staff have training, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients depending on each patients individual needs.
Removal
In most cases the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under a combination of oral premedication, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. 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, you will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques