Wisdom Teeth Removal Kelowna
Kelowna Wisdom Teeth Removal
Even with proper care, sometimes teeth need to be removed. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including deep cavities, severe bone loss, infection or a cracked tooth. Extraction of teeth is a last resort, and your dental professional will explain all of the options available to you so that you may make an informed decision about having a tooth removed. Generally, having a tooth extracted is a fairly simple procedure that involves loosening the tooth within the socket before removing it from the mouth. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthetic, and our philosophy of open communication with our patients means that we will be there for you to guide you through the whole process.
Wisdom Teeth
Generally, everyone is born with 4 third molars, one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth and will usually begin to show themselves in the mouth somewhere between the age of 17 to 25 years old. While wisdom teeth do not always cause problems, in some cases they erupt in an unfavorable way due to a lack of space in the jaw. In these cases, the wisdom teeth have become “impacted” and as a result can lead to a host of undesirable consequences.
For our patients that may feel some anxiety towards this type of procedure, the option of oral sedation is available and can be discussed with your dental professional prior your dental extraction appointment.
Will I Need My Wisdom Teeth Out?
Not necessarily. An assessment by Dr. Sanders will help to determine how likely it is that there is adequate room for your wisdom teeth to erupt. At this appointment, a panoramic x-ray will be taken that allows for the assessment of the position of these wisdom teeth. Dr. Sanders will review this image with you and explain to you your options. We recommend that this assessment be done when you are younger, as wisdom tooth extraction is much more favorable in younger patients due to improved healing and minimal wisdom tooth root development.
What Are The Consequences Of Leaving Them?
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can potentially cause harm to the adjacent second molar, and none of us want that for you! This includes bone loss around the back portion of the second, deep cavities that are difficult to restore, and, in a worst case scenario, loss of the second molar along with the neighboring wisdom tooth. Issues also arise when the gum tissue overlying the third molar become inflamed and infected, which can lead to severe pain and possible systemic bacterial infection.
We will thoroughly discuss the options available to you with regards to removal of your wisdom teeth and are happy you address any questions that you may have along the way.