Airdrie Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in your mouth, typically between the ages of 17 to 25. They can be quite a confusing set of teeth. Ideally, there should be 4 wisdom teeth, one on each corner of the mouth. But, some do not grow all of them. Meanwhile, others have their wisdom teeth hiding underneath their gums and bone, making it impossible to identify them, unless with an X-ray. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause problems such as pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth. In this case, removal is often necessary to prevent severe issues down the road.

Read on to learn more about wisdom tooth removal, why timely detection and treatment is essential, and what you can expect during the process.

Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

There are several telltale signs that suggest you might need to have your wisdom tooth removed:

• Persistent pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth, especially when chewing or biting
• Swelling or redness around the gums near the wisdom tooth
• Frequent infections or gum boil near the problematic tooth
• Crowding of other teeth
• Jaw stiffness
• Ear pain that may radiate up to the head and neck

Early Wisdom Tooth Removal

However, not all wisdom teeth may show signs or symptoms. In some cases, patients may not experience any problems, but still need to have their wisdom tooth removed eventually to prevent future complications. This is proactive wisdom tooth extraction and is recommended for younger patients to avoid the symptoms associated with a problematic wisdom tooth.

Some advantages of early wisdom tooth removal are that it is less complicated in that the tooth may not be completely attached to the bone, making it easier to remove, and it also encourages faster healing due to the enhanced regenerative qualities of younger patients.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure: What to Expect

The wisdom tooth removal process may require a simple extraction or a surgical procedure. This ultimately depends on the pre-assessment of your dentist. Generally, simple wisdom tooth removal is a straightforward process to remove a fully erupted tooth. However, a surgical extraction is for complicated cases involving impacted wisdom teeth or those near vital structures such as vessels, nerves, or the sinuses.

Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Consultation and Preparation

During the initial consultation, your dentist will take X-rays or perform a 3D scan to assess the position of your wisdom tooth and the surrounding structures. This allows for better understanding of how complex the extraction might be and helps determine the best option for sedation for tooth removal.

• Anaesthesia

Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level, you may receive local anaesthesia (which numbs the immediate area), sedation (whether through sedative drugs, IV, or laughing gas), or general anaesthesia.

• Surgical Extraction

Once the area is numb, your dentist will begin with a small incision over the gums to access the tooth. If necessary, some bone may also be removed to expose the impacted tooth. Sectioning may also be done where the tooth is cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to retrieve it.

• Wound Closure

After removal, the incision is cleaned and stitches are placed to cover the wound and aid in healing. The sutures should dissolve on their own over the next few days. If there are any remaining, your dentist may ask you to return after a week for manual removal.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal

The recovery process after getting the wisdom tooth removed is different for everyone. Some are able to return to their normal routine after just 3 days, while others may take up to a week. Full recovery is expected after a month and beyond. The speed and quality of recovery depend on the difficulty of the procedure and your adherence to the post-surgical guidelines discussed by your dentist.

Here’s a general timeline of the recovery and what you can expect:

• Immediately After Surgery: Once the tooth extraction is complete, you will be monitored for a short period as you recover from sedation. Some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort can be expected. Use the provided gauze pad to bite down on and help control the bleeding. Take your prescribed medications to relieve pain. Apply an ice pack where necessary to reduce swelling. Stick to a liquid diet to prevent trauma to the wound.
• After 1 – 3 Days – Swelling and discomfort may peak during this period. Continue taking your medications and using ice packs as directed. You may transition to semi-soft foods, but avoid using straws as this can dislodge the clot over the wound to cause a painful complication called a dry socket. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to disinfect the area as it continues healing.
• After 1 Week – Much of the swelling and discomfort should have subsided. You can also gradually return to eating solid foods, but should still avoid hard or crunchy items. Keep a good hygiene routine, but be gentle around the area of the extracted wisdom tooth. You may be asked to return to your dentist after 7 days for a follow-up to monitor your progress.

Choosing the Right Dentist in Airdrie for Oral Surgery

Several factors come into play when it comes to choosing the right dental professional or oral surgeon for your wisdom tooth extraction. This ensures a smooth, safe, and comfortable procedure with positive and predictable outcomes.

At Sierra Dental in Airdrie, we provide:

• Expertise – Our team of experienced dentists and staff are highly-trained in providing appropriate care, whether you need a simple or surgical wisdom tooth extraction.
• Modern Facilities – We use state-of-the-art technology, including advanced X-rays and imaging, to assess and plan your procedure.
• Personalized Care – We prioritize your comfort and safety, offering several sedation options to ensure a pain-free experience. From your initial consultation up to your final follow-up, our team is sure to provide comprehensive patient care.

Contact Sierra Dental To Book An Appointment

Problematic wisdom teeth can often lead to complications if left untreated. That is why timely detection and treatment is necessary early on, even if you haven’t experienced symptoms yet. Early intervention can prevent more severe dental issues that may require extensive and expensive treatments.

Whether you are in need of a simple extraction or a more complicated surgical procedure, Sierra Dental in Airdrie is here to provide expert care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions