Wisdom Tooth Removal/ Tooth Extraction in North Vancouver
There are different milestones in your life that mark growth and development. During the earliest stages of life, baby teeth erupt and begin to lay the foundation for your smile. Childhood marks the loss of these first teeth followed by the growth of adult, or permanent teeth, including a set of four adult teeth known as Wisdom Teeth.
These four teeth are located at the upper and lower back corners of the mouth, and are believed to have been necessary tools for our ancestors to eat hard foods, raw meat and nuts. The evolution of cooking, diet and utensils has somewhat rendered these teeth obsolete or vestigial anatomical structures.
However, their lack of necessity doesn’t stop their growth, and as these teeth grow in, there may be a lack of space in the jawline to accommodate them. This crowding is known as impacted wisdom teeth and can cause pain, potential infection, and other unforeseen dental issues if not addressed.
The simple solution for impacted wisdom teeth is removal (extraction) and can be done by a certified dentist or oral surgeon. Some dentists recommend prophylactic removal of the wisdom teeth to avoid future dental concerns, even if they aren’t causing pain and discomfort. At Bayview Lonsdale Dentist, we have the expertise and wisdom to remove these impacted teeth in a safe, gentle, and effective manner.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last of the teeth to grow in. The majority of people experience their eruption in their later teen years to early twenties (17-25). Many people will have the teeth erupt without concern, while some experience pain from the impacted teeth, and others still may never fully have the teeth cut through the gums at all. Everyone’s dental growth is unique and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Right for Me?
For those with crowding, or impaction, the growth may:
- Erupt at an angle and grow adjacently towards the second molar
- Grow at an angle towards the posterior aspect (the back) of the mouth
- Progress at a right angle along the jawbone, laying down rather than standing up alongside the other teeth
- Grow in straight up/down but fail to erupt entirely through the gums at the jawbone
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Why You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
The scenarios mentioned above can cause a long list of problems including:
Pain
Without ample space to grow, the eruption of wisdom teeth can put pressure on adjacent teeth and bony structures, causing pain, discomfort and damage to nearby teeth.
Disease
Trapped food, bacteria and other debris can result in infection or gum disease, which can progress and spread to surrounding areas, causing problems with more than just your teeth.
Cyst Formation
Small pockets of fluid-filled sacs known as cysts can surround the impacted tooth, resulting in pain and infection.
Misalignment
As the impacted teeth force their way in, other teeth have no choice but to shift. This can cause a bad bite (malocclusion), misalignment, and jaw problems.
How We Conduct Wisdom Tooth Removal at Bayview Lonsdale Dentist
We perform wisdom teeth removal by following the steps below:
- Our procedure starts with a consultation and assessment of the mouth, teeth, and gums.
- We do dental radiographs (x-rays) to visualize the structures beneath the gums to gain a clear picture of your growth and development.
- If deemed necessary, we will discuss the removal of one or more of the wisdom teeth. We will explain sedation options, freezing, and discuss the right option for you.
Please provide us with any allergies to drugs, anesthesia, and advise us of any current medications and/or vitamins you may be on.
- Once sedation and/or anesthesia has been administered, your oral surgeon will make small incisions to expose the teeth. Once exposed, we can loosen and remove the tooth from the socket, clean it out and stitch it up.
Please be prepared to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
The whole procedure generally takes about an hour for non-complicated cases. Following surgery, the sutures (stitches) will either dissolve, fall out, or need to be removed at a follow-up visit.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal: Things to Consider
After the tooth extraction, you may feel some pain along with the presence of some swelling and mild bleeding. These are not uncommon, and we will discuss at length the risks, benefits, what to expect and how to best manage post-surgery.
We encourage you to rest as it takes a few days to recover from surgery. The gums will need a few weeks to heal, and we will provide you with all the necessary medication to manage pain and prevent infection.
Why Choose Bayview Lonsdale Dentist
Tooth extractions are never fun, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience either.
Let us care for you in our welcoming dental clinic, where we provide comfortable chairs, friendly multilingual staff, the most advanced dental technologies and a dentist you can trust for the best results. Our Lonsdale location, located at 108 11th St East #110,
North Vancouver, is easily accessible and offers free parking on-site.
Wisdom Tooth Removal FAQs
Do I have to remove my wisdom teeth?
No, if your wisdom teeth are growing in at the proper angle, with ample space and causing no pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth, you most likely do not have to get them removed. That said, only a professional can give you a proper answer after an evaluation.
Is it painful to get your wisdom teeth out?
The surgical procedure is done in our comfortable office by our expert dentists, who boast safety and efficiency. We aim to minimize pain with sedation and numbing techniques. Don’t hesitate to ask us about our pain management options.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to grow in. They are known as your third molars and grow at the back of your top and bottom jaw. They are also regarded as unnecessary teeth, used primarily by our ancestors to accommodate their diet.
What is the best age for wisdom tooth removal?
There is no set age for wisdom tooth removal, but dentists believe that the ideal time for extraction is your late teens or early twenties as they are still in the development stages. This makes them easier to remove, thus, preventing future complications.
Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you are suffering from pain, crowding, infection, and impacted wisdom teeth, we encourage you to seek our expert advice on how to best manage them. Chances are, you may be a strong candidate for extraction. However, a visit to our office for an exam will allow us to best answer your questions.
What is dry socket?
This is a condition that may occur as a result of wisdom tooth surgery. If a blood clot fails to form, or shifts out of place from the socket, the bone and nerves become exposed and at risk for dry socket pain. This is something we can treat and prepare you to look out for.
Can I drive myself home after surgery?
Since you will be sedated or under anesthesia, we ask that you bring a family member or friend to pick you up to ensure your safe return home post-surgery.