Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Lethbridge
Wisdom teeth are molars that erupt behind your regular molars, often referred to as '3rd Molars'. They typically need to be extracted because there is not enough room for them in the mouth.
In most people, wisdom teeth start to come through the gums between the ages of 16 and 25. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, but some people may have three or less. In fact, some people never develop wisdom teeth at all.
How will I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If your dentist is concerned about your wisdom teeth, we will take an x-ray during your appointment to examine their position.
Depending on your age, the position of the wisdom teeth and whether or not your mouth can accommodate them, we may either recommend waiting to observe how your wisdom teeth progress, or proceeding with an extraction.
What are some other reasons that my wisdom teeth may need to be removed?
Your wisdom teeth may be impacted, misaligned and poking or rubbing on your cheeks or tongue, causing irritation.
If there is not enough room for them in your mouth, the wisdom teeth can cause crowding and shifting among the rest of your teeth.
They can also be very difficult to keep clean because they are so far back in your mouth and may develop decay.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it is growing into your mouth sideways instead of straight up or down. If an impacted wisdom tooth is not removed at the ideal time, it can cause damage to the teeth next to it and potentially trigger significant pain.
What will happen during the wisdom teeth extraction procedure?
During a wisdom tooth extraction, a patient is typically under sedation or general anaesthesia. You should not experience any pain during the procedure.
During your appointment, your dentist will explain how to care for your mouth after the extraction. By following some simple steps, you can prevent any problems following extraction. In most cases we'll recommend biting on gauze to keep pressure on the extraction point following surgery, regular application of ice to the area, and eating soft foods for several days.
What types of foods can I eat following the procedure?
After your procedure, we recommend eating soft foods like smoothies, apple sauce, ice cream and pudding to start with. As you heal, you can add solid foods back into your diet.
Are there any risks involved in extracting wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth removal is a very safe procedure. Still, as with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of complication, particularly infection. You can minimize any risk by carefully following the post-operative instructions. As always, our helpful team will be pleased to discuss your concerns with you at any time.