Wisdom Tooth Extraction

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth.  They form between the ages of 12 and 23 years old at the back corners of the mouth.  Due to crowding in the dental arches, wisdom teeth are often prevented from erupting into the mouth in a healthy, functional position.  When wisdom teeth are embedded in the gums or bone, they are known as impacted teeth.

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

If wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth in a healthy and functional position, they do not have to be removed.  However, due to lack of space, wisdom teeth are often prevented from properly erupting into the mouth.  These poorly positioned teeth can cause various problems. Wisdom teeth can put pressure on the surrounding teeth which can damage or shift them.  Often wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and maintain – this leads to infection, gum disease, and decay,  which affects not only the wisdom teeth but also the surrounding dentition. Also, cysts and tumours can develop around impacted wisdom teeth, which can destroy the jaw bone and surrounding teeth.

Why Should An Impacted Wisdom Tooth Be Extracted If It Hasn’t Caused Any Problems?

The vast majority of wisdom teeth, if left to develop, will eventually cause problems.  The ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth is during the late teenage years (15-20 years old). It is preferable to remove the teeth at that time for the following reasons:

• The teeth are easier to remove compared to later in life
  
• The recovery time is shorter
  
• The jaw bone regenerates and heals better
  
• There is less chance of post-surgical complications
  
• The surrounding teeth are not yet compromised
  

Preventing problems caused by wisdom teeth before they happen is the goal. Dr. Gill will perform an oral examination and evaluate x-rays of your mouth to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and whether you are at risk for future problems and would benefit from the extraction of your wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Facts

• More than 80% of the population will have problems with their wisdom teeth during their lifetime. Many people will experience benefits to their overall health from the timely removal of their wisdom teeth.
  
• It has been recognized that chronic oral infection, including infected wisdom teeth, may contribute to several systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and low birth weight pregnancies.
  
• Ideally, if a wisdom tooth extraction is required, it is performed between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. During this time, the extractions are easier to perform with less chance of complications.
  
• Typically, all 4 wisdom teeth are extracted at once, and the procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. This surgery is performed either with intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. 

How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Surgery to remove your wisdom teeth can be performed using either:

• Local anaesthesia (freezing only)
  
• Intravenous sedation with local anaesthesia (the most common method)
  
• General anaesthesia
  

The method used will be determined after a consultation with Dr. Gill. The most common method (intravenous sedation with local anaesthesia) involves the administration of medications intravenously to make you relaxed and sleepy.  In our office, for increased comfort and safety, intravenous sedation is administered by Certified Medical Anesthesiologists (anaesthetists).  Appropriate monitors are used to follow your vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.  Once you are sedated, local anaesthesia is placed around the wisdom teeth.  After the local anaesthesia has taken effect, the teeth will be extracted.  Any sutures placed during the surgery are self-dissolving and don’t need to be removed.  The surgery usually takes 15-20 minutes, and you will then recover in our office for about another 30 minutes before going home.

Contact Us for More Information About Wisdom Tooth Extraction Today

Please contact us for information about Wisdom Teeth Extraction surgery or if you would like to arrange a consultation appointment, call us at (604) 532-9686.

“Excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery”