Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically erupt last in your mouth. While healthy wisdom teeth can serve a purpose, there are various reasons why their removal might be necessary. At Niagara Falls Dentistry, we specialize in wisdom teeth removal to address various dental concerns.

Reasons for Removal

In many cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed due to factors such as impaction, misalignment, or difficulty in cleaning. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, pain, and infection of the surrounding gum tissue. They may also exert pressure on adjacent teeth, potentially causing permanent damage. Moreover, fully erupted wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean, leading to severe decay and other oral health issues.

The Treatment Process

Whether performed by our dentist or a specialist, the extraction procedure follows a similar protocol. First, local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Depending on your preference and the complexity of the case, nitrous oxide gas or general anesthesia may also be used.

Once the area is numb, the extraction begins. Dental instruments are used to loosen the tooth in its socket, followed by extraction using forceps or surgical handpieces for more complicated cases.

Possible Complications

As with any dental procedure, wisdom teeth extraction carries some potential risks, including infection, bleeding, dry socket, and damage to neighboring teeth or structures. Rare complications may include displacement of an upper tooth into the sinus, jaw fracture, or temporary/permanent numbness.

Timing of Removal

The timing of wisdom teeth removal varies for each individual. However, if your dentist has identified potential issues with your wisdom teeth, it’s generally recommended to undergo removal sooner rather than later. Younger patients tend to heal faster, reducing the risk of complications and minimizing future problems associated with problematic wisdom teeth.