Do you need your wisdom tooth extracted? The best approach is to plan an appointment for X-ray imaging with your dental caregiver. Unfortunately, even some of the affected teeth can fail to show signs until their last stages of development. You should schedule an X-ray with your dentist to find out the problem and plan tooth removal before things go off the board.

What are wisdom teeth?

These are the third group of molars. They erupt last on the gum line. Usually, this occurs between the age of 17 and 25. These teeth are not necessary for dental purposes. Actually, they can result in numerous oral health issues. It is important to visit a dentist when you detect a problem with your teeth.

When is it required to be extracted?

Signs of gum infection at the back of the mouth
In some situation, impacted wisdom teeth can result in gum disease. If you or your dentist notices a gum infection at the back of your mouth, then it is time to plan the imaging session so your dentist can identify the impacted wisdom tooth that you would blame 🙂

Pain at the tooth area
Are you experiencing pain in the region surrounding your wisdom tooth? Do you experience pain even before you see the teeth themselves when you open your mouth? This is a clear indicator that your teeth are impacted.

Stiffness and Jaw pain
These signs show that an inappropriate eruption occurred early on. At this point, you need X-ray imaging to find out whether the affected wisdom teeth are the cause.

Features of an impacted tooth

An impacted wisdom tooth may:

• Grow straight up or down like the rest of your teeth but stay stuck in the jawbone.
• Grow at an angle toward the back of your mouth.
• Grow at an angle toward the next tooth.
• Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, in a way your wisdom tooth looks like it is “lying down” inside the jawbone.

What to expect during extraction

Your dental care provider may use one of the three types of anaesthesia: local anaesthesia, sedation anaesthesia, and general anaesthesia. It is important to note that the type of anaesthesia used is determined by comfort level and the complexity of your wisdom tooth removal procedure.

Local anesthesia
Your dentist will administer one or more injections close to the area of every extraction. Before the injection, your dentist or oral surgeon will apply a substance on your gums to make them numb. Most probably, you will be awake during tooth removal. Even if you will feel slight movement and pressure, you should not experience severe pain.

Sedation anaesthesia
This is given through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. It is meant to suppress your conscious during the undertaking. You will not experience any pain and you will remember a little concerning the procedure. Sedation anaesthesia is given together with local anaesthesia, which numbs your gums.

General anaesthesia
This is given during particular circumstances. It is administered in two ways: through the IV line on your arm or gas inhalation through your nose. In adverse situations, both methods of administration can be used. Then there you lose your consciousness. In the meantime, your surgical team will be monitoring your blood pressure, temperature, and breathing. You will not feel pain nor have a memory of the process. Local anaesthesia will be administered to reduce postoperative discomfort.

During wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will:

• Cut your gum tissues to uncover the tooth and bone.
• Eliminate the bones that hinder access to the root of the tooth.
• Partition the tooth into slices if it is easier to remove it in pieces.
• Remove the tooth.
• Clean the site of the extracted tooth and removes any remains that can be on the bone or the tooth.
• Sew the wound to enhance healing this is however not necessary.
• Lastly, put gauze on the extraction site to control bleeding. This is also meant to assist in the formation of a blood clot.

After the procedure, follow the dentist instructions on self-care regarding bleeding, pain management, swelling and bruising, cleaning your mouth, beverage and food among others.

When you need treatment, our team of general dentists will show you exactly what they see with one of our intraoral cameras. That way you won’t have any confusion about what’s going on inside of your mouth! Plus, you can elect to request sedation during the treatment phase to enhance your comfort.

Be sure to ask about our 0% financing plans on restorative services. Your smile shouldn’t have to go without the care you need!

Need an Emergency Dentist?

If you’re in pain, we’ll get you in right away to make you as comfortable as possible. Please call us right away. Reasons you might need to seek out emergency care include swelling, pain, sensitivity, or accidental mouth trauma. If it’s after hours, it’s best that you reach whoever is on call (the information is available on our after-hours recording) or proceed to the general hospital.

All of our Guelph dental providers love kids, and we’re happy to accommodate your family’s busy schedule. With extended weekly and weekend hours, it’s never been so easy to book all of your visits in the same place!