WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY
Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars, are the last teeth to form in a person’s mouth. As humans have evolved the size of their jaws have decreased. Consequently, wisdom teeth often do not have sufficient room to erupt and become trapped in an incorrect position. This is otherwise described as the tooth being impacted.
Poorly positioned wisdom teeth can lead to a range of different oral health problems. This includes recurrent infections, decay and damage to neighbouring teeth or gums. Occasionally cysts or tumours can form around wisdom teeth leading to damage or fractures of the jaws. An Orthodontist may also recommend removal of your wisdom tooth prior to or at the completion of Orthodontic treatment.
RESORPTION CAVITY
INFECTION
CYST FORMATION
Should my wisdom teeth be removed before I have problems?
It is often smarter and easier to seek treatment for wisdom teeth before they cause pain and damage. Firstly, problems associated with wisdom teeth can often go unnoticed and by the time you experience symptoms there may be damage that requires complex treatments. Secondly, the procedure is simpler and easier when you are younger. This is because the roots of the teeth are not yet fully developed and the jawbone is less dense. This facilitates an easier procedure, shorter recovery and less complications.
What does wisdom tooth surgery involve?
The complexity of wisdom tooth surgery depends on many factors including the shape of the tooth, level of impaction and age of the patient. In complex cases it is usual to require removal of a small amount of bone around the tooth followed by division of the tooth to allow for the safest removal.
Wisdom tooth surgery can be completed with a patient awake (local anaesthetic), sedated (intravenous sedation) or asleep (general anaesthesia) depending on a patient’s preference and degree of difficulty of the procedure.
Wisdom tooth removal is a simple and safe procedure in the correct hands. Dr Stanton is an expert in the removal of wisdom teeth. He has seen many patients suffer complications after having third molar teeth removed by less qualified individuals.