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Why Should Wisdom Tooth Be Removed

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars at the back of your mouth. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed for various reasons, including:

• Impaction: Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to grow properly in the mouth, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
• Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push on adjacent teeth, causing crowding and misalignment of your existing teeth. This can lead to orthodontic problems.
• Infection: If a wisdom tooth partially emerges through the gum, it can create a space where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection and gum disease.
• Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth. These growths can damage the jawbone and adjacent teeth.
• Pain and discomfort: Even when wisdom teeth are not impacted, they can still cause pain, discomfort, and inflammation as they try to erupt through the gum. This can lead to headaches, earaches, and jaw pain.
• Difficulty in cleaning: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, which can make them difficult to clean properly. This can lead to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Shifting of other teeth: The eruption of wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to the shifting or misalignment of other teeth, potentially undoing previous orthodontic work.
• Dental procedures: Wisdom teeth can interfere with other dental procedures such as braces, crowns, or bridges. Removing them may be necessary to ensure the success of these treatments.

It's essential to consult with a dentist to assess whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, and the decision should be based on a thorough evaluation of your dental health, symptoms, and X-rays to determine if there is a potential problem or risk associated with their presence.

What A Difficult Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The difficulty of a wisdom tooth extraction can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the position and alignment of the wisdom teeth, the patient's age, the skill and experience of the oral surgeon or dentist performing the extraction, and the presence of any complications. Here are some factors that can influence the difficulty of wisdom tooth extraction:

• Impaction: If the wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they haven't fully erupted through the gum line), extraction can be more challenging because it may require making an incision in the gum and possibly removing some bone to access and remove the tooth.
• Angle and position: The angle and position of the wisdom teeth can vary. Teeth that are positioned horizontally or at odd angles can be more challenging to extract than those that are more upright.
• Root development: Wisdom teeth with well-developed, curved, or multiple roots can be more difficult to extract.
• Patient age: Younger patients often have wisdom teeth with less developed roots, making extraction relatively easier than in older individuals.
• Anesthesia and sedation: The use of appropriate anesthesia and sedation can make the procedure more comfortable for the patient and help manage any potential difficulties.
• Experience of the oral surgeon or dentist: An experienced oral surgeon or dentist is better equipped to handle complex extractions and minimize potential complications.

It's important to discuss the specific details of your wisdom tooth extraction with your oral surgeon or dentist. They can assess your individual case, provide you with information on the expected level of difficulty, and discuss the anesthesia and sedation options available to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Complications, while possible, are relatively rare when the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced professional in a controlled clinical setting.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a decision made by individuals in consultation. If you have concerns or questions about your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to contact Kanata South Dental at 613-519-1400. Dr. Taner and his professional team will be happy to help you.

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Dentist Kanata