WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are actually the third and final set of molars. They typically break through the gum line between the ages of 17 and 21 but can sometimes erupt as early as 13 or as late as 25. Interestingly, the phrase ‘wisdom tooth’ is used to describe these molars because they erupt much later than the other teeth, at a time when the person is much “wiser” than they were as a child.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
The most common reasons for wisdom tooth removal is they become impacted or produce other dental issues such as overcrowding of the teeth, cavity formation or pain. Since wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, they may not form properly resulting in tooth impaction. Tooth impaction can vary by location and cause:
Impacted wisdom teeth can also be defined as follows:
- Bony impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is still enclosed in the jawbone.
- Soft Tissue impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth has erupted from the jawbone but has not erupted through the gumline.
Another soft tissue impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth is partially exposed and the gum extends over the biting surface of the tooth itself. This issue causes a biting problem.
If wisdom teeth are not impacted, and actually come in straight and above the gum line, they may still need to be removed due to infection caused by food debris and bacteria that are trapped behind the wisdom tooth. Infections can be frequent and painful. Cavity formation can occur in wisdom teeth because they are not easily accessible with a toothbrush or dental floss.
An additional dental issue that may result from wisdom tooth formation is the misalignment of the molar. The wisdom tooth actually rubs against the cheek or tongue and causes pain.
The compassionate dentists at Fioritto Family Dental understand even the thought of dental surgery can provoke anxiety in some patients. We strive to minimize apprehension and anxiety by educating our patients every step of the way. We will gladly take as much time as necessary to answer every question you have regarding your procedure. You will know exactly what to expect from the moment you walk into our office until you are ready to go home!
X-rays will be taken to determine the exact position of the impaction and the condition of the surrounding gums and bones. Your Fioritto dentist will discuss your health history, and will review the medications you are currently taking. Removal takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. Medications will be provided to you prior to surgery to ensure you are at ease and comfortable throughout the procedure. There are several types of sedation that can be administered: A local injection, nitrous oxide gas to relax you or even help you doze, or IV drug sedation through a vein in your arm. Fioritto Family Dental have been the leaders in sedation dentistry for more than 50 years!
Once removed, the healing process begins. Every patient responds differently to wisdom teeth removal. You may experience mild pain or discomfort, and swelling. Pain and swelling are usually limited to the area of the extraction(s). The dental staff at Fioritto Family Dental will provide you with the necessary instructions to help you recover quickly and comfortably post-surgery.
Whether it is one, two, three or all four wisdom teeth that need to be removed, your highly trained and experienced Fioritto Family dentist is at your side providing personal and gentle care throughout the entire process!
Call the Fioritto Family dental team today to schedule an initial examination in our Mentor or Concord office. We’ve proudly served our northeast Ohio neighbors, friends and family for more than 50 years!