Wisdom
Teeth:
What
are wisdom teeth?
Long
after our primary (baby) teeth have been replaced
by permanent teeth which come in behind the
upper and lower 12-year molars. Third molars
are called wisdom teeth because they
generally erupt between 17 and 21 years of
age, when we reach adulthood.
Why
do wisdom teeth cause problems?
Wisdom
teeth that are properly positioned can be
a valuable asset to the mouth. Unfortunately,
this is often not the case, and problems develop
that require their removal. For example, when
the jaw is not large enough to accomodate
these teeth, they become impacted-unable to
move into their proper place. They may grow
sideways, emerge only part way from the gum,
or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Impaction
occurs most often in the third molars of the
lower jaw. After examining your mouth and
taking X-rays, your dentist will discuss whether
your wisdom teeth should be removed.
Why
are wisdom teeth removed?
Extraction
of the third molars can protect the overall
health of the mouth. It is generally reccomended
when the following conditions occur:
-
Wisdom
teeth only partially erupt. This leaves
an opening for bacteria to enter around
the tooth and cause an infection. Pain,
swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness
can result.
-
Impacted
wisdom teeth may continue growing without
enough room, damaging adjacent teeth.
-
A
fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor forms,
destroying the surrounding structures
such as bone or tooth roots.
Why
remove the teeth early?
People
between the ages of 16 and 19 should have
their wisdom teeth evaluated. If they need
to be removed, it should be considered before
age 20 when generally fewer complications
occur. At a younger age, tooth roots are not
fully developed, the surrounding bone is softer,
and there is less chance of damaging nearby
nerves or other structures. There is also
less surgical risk and healing is generally
faster.
Extractions of wisdom teeth may be performed
by a general dentist. If your dentist anticipates
any special care will be needed he, or she,
may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial
surgeon. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon
is a dentist who specializes in surgery and
the removal of wisdom teeth.
What
to expect of the procedure...
Before
surgery, your dentist will explain what to
expect, have you sign a consent form, and
give you personalized instructions to follow.
Keep in mind these general items to help your
surgery go smoothly.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrange
to have someone be with you after surgery.
Extractions can be performed under local or
general anesthesia. Following surgery, you
may experience some swelling and discomfort,
which is part of the normal healing process.
Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling
and medication prescribed by your dentist
can help decrease the pain. You may be instructed
to drink only clear liquids following surgery
and later progress to soft foods.
Some patients experience numbness or tingling
following surgery. Normal sensation usually
returns in a period of time. Occasionally,
a dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks
down earlier than normal. A dressing placed
in the socket protects it until the socket
heals.
Talk with your dentist about any questions
that you have. It is especially important
to let your dentist know, before surgery,
of any illness that you have and medications
that you are taking. If your general dentist
has referred you to a specialist, they will
both work together to provide you with the
best and most efficient care. Keeping your
teeth healthy-to a wise old age-is your dentist's
primary concern.
Bone Grafting After Extractions for Ridge Preservation
For years teeth where extracted and nothing was done to help the extraction site. Bone was lost as teeth where extracted and adjacent teeth suffered serious consequences as well as the extraction sites.
For several years now we have been using synthetic bone precursors and allographs to fill up the holes left by extractions and prevent ridge deterioration and periodontal problems to adjacent teeth.
The case on the left side shows an extraction site that was not grafted. You can see the devastation and lack of bone in the area causing most likely the loss of the adjacent tooth.
The case on the right side shows a properly treated case with "synthetic bone" and you can see how the ridge was preserved and the front tooth enjoys of proper support and excellent health.
In our standard of care, bone grafting for ridge preservation is a routine procedure. Ask our staff about the benefits of this phenomenal technological advance in dentistry.
