You will likely need a wisdom tooth extraction at some point in your life. Wisdom teeth start forming around the age of ten and usually become an issue between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. Although, you could be one of lucky ones and never have any wisdom teeth appear.  

Wisdom teeth were once valuable assets to our ancestors. When a typical diet consisted of chewy plants and uncooked meat, third molars (wisdom teeth), which fit easily into our ancestors' larger jaws, were welcomed and necessary. Wisdom teeth were the evolutionary answer to the need for chewing power to combat excessive wear.

Today, our diets are not as rough as those of our ancestors. We even get the luxury of modern marvels like forks, spoons, knives, and softer food, so the need for wisdom teeth is virtually nonexistent. And yet, on average, about 65% of the human population's mouths still form wisdom teeth.

As our mouths have not kept up with evolution, a person rarely has enough room for all their wisdom teeth. They tend to grow in impacted, which can be uncomfortable, push your other teeth forward, and create a space for food to become trapped, increasing your risk of infection and decay.

When you schedule an appointment with Rutland Dental Centre, we can examine, take X-rays, and let you know if and when you should schedule an extraction. You can reach us by calling (250) 765-7662.

 

Some typical signs that your wisdom teeth are soon going to emerge are:

• Gum swelling, commonly behind your second molars
• Jaw pain
• Gums that are bleeding or sore
• Having difficulties opening your mouth wide

 

Any pain could be minimal, although you may feel a quick, sharp pain now and then. Chewing with the molars near where your wisdom teeth are ready to emerge may also be painful or uncomfortable. 

If you observe any of the following changes in the area of your wisdom teeth, removal may be necessary:

• Pain
• Repeated infection 
• Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)
• Tumours
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay

The time it takes to extract wisdom teeth depends on the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. Wisdom teeth extraction may be a minor procedure, but it can take up to two weeks for a person to fully recover.

Our dentists are experienced in wisdom teeth extraction and will discuss the position and health of your wisdom teeth with you to determine what is best for your condition. How wisdom teeth are removed will be based on their current location and whether they are impacted.

 

Types Of Wisdom Teeth:

• Wisdom teeth are either erupted or impacted, and each is further classified.
• Erupted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth that have emerged from the gums and are easily extracted.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Because the wisdom teeth have not emerged from the gums, they are more challenging to extract.

 

There are four types of wisdom teeth impactions:

1. Mesial Impactions: The most common type of wisdom tooth impaction; the tooth is partially erupted and inclined towards the front of the mouth.

2. Vertical Impactions: Vertical impactions are a type of full impaction in which the tooth is in the proper position for an eruption but remains below the gums.

3. Horizontal Impactions: Horizontal impactions are a type of full impaction in which the tooth lies entirely horizontally beneath the gums. The horizontal orientation of the tooth can cause it to move sideways into the tooth next to it rather than up through the gums.

4. Distal Impactions: The most unusual type of wisdom tooth impaction. Teeth with a distal impaction, as compared to a mesial impaction, are inclined towards the back of the mouth and may be partially or completely impacted.

 

What is the procedure for wisdom tooth extraction?

First, you will receive anaesthesia to numb the area. Some dentists and oral surgeons may also offer:

Nitrous oxide to make you relax or even sleep during surgery. You should feel awake sooner after the procedure.

IV sedation by administering medicines through a vein in your arm to make you sleep through the entire procedure.

If your wisdom teeth have grown in straight, removing them is less complicated, and the dentist can extract the teeth easier using only dental tools without surgery. 

However, if your teeth are impacted, the procedure requires oral surgery. The gum tissue covering the tooth must be cut open to access the actual tooth.

After numbing the area, a flap is created in the gum tissue. This allows the dentist or oral surgeon to view the tooth. If muscle or bone is covering it, those will also need to be cut away to provide clear access to the tooth. At this point, your dentist may be able to grab the tooth and lift it out of the socket. If, however, it does not budge when wiggled, the actual tooth will need to be broken into several pieces that can be extracted individually. Once the tooth has been removed, the area needs to be carefully cleaned.

Afterwards, the flap of gum tissue can lay flat and be sutured back in place. Our dental team will likely place gauze pads in your mouth to soak some of the blood. After a few days, the stitches dissolve. 

 

Aftercare for wisdom teeth extraction in Kelowna

Immediately following a wisdom teeth extraction, you will remain at our clinic until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure that any bleeding has slowed and that the gauze is working sufficiently. When it is safe, you will be sent home to finish your recovery. Make sure you have someone pick you up so you don't need to drive home. 

To alleviate pain and promote healing:

• Gently rinse the extraction site with an antiseptic mouthwash after 24 hours, and continue this routinely over the next several days, especially after eating. 
• You may also use warm water with a teaspoon of salt as a mouthwash to alleviate gum soreness and inflammation.
• Use pain medications as recommended by your dentist (always read and follow the dosage directions).
• To help control the swelling, ice your face for 15 minutes at a time for 24 to 48 hours. 
• Eat soft or liquid foods and chew with your other teeth for a few days. 
• Avoid intensive exercise for a few days.
• Use an extra pillow to support your head.
• Avoid excessive rinsing, spitting, hot drinks, or anything else that could break the blood clots that form in the empty tooth socket (they help the healing process)

 

It can take up to two weeks to recuperate from having your wisdom tooth or teeth out. You must schedule a follow-up visit with Dr. Stearns to ensure you are healing correctly.

 

How to prevent an infection after removal?

 As a dentist, we are always concerned about infections post-surgery. Whether you have a wisdom teeth extraction, or any other tooth removed, there is always the risk that the area will become exposed to bacteria. To prevent this, you should rinse your mouth periodically with warm saltwater or antiseptic mouthwash. Brushing your teeth is also essential, even though you must carefully avoid the surgical site. In some cases, an antibiotic mouth rinse may also be prescribed.

 

Is wisdom teeth extraction essential?

We understand that each of our patients is unique and so are their teeth. Whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed by a dentist may depend on the size of your palate. If you have plenty of room for all your teeth and your third molars, they can stay in place. There is no point in removing something that grows in straight and is healthy. 

However, any tooth that grows in impacted needs to be removed because it poses a direct threat to your other teeth, roots and nerves and is a target for infections. The best way to find out if your wisdom teeth should be removed is to call (250) 765-7662 and schedule an appointment with our Kelowna dentist office. 

 

At Rutland Dental Centre, we will see you for an initial consultation regarding removing your wisdom teeth, including a visual exam and a 2D panoramic or 3D CBCT radiograph for a thorough understanding of the position of the teeth. We can then discuss the best options for removal, including numerous options for sedation, so the procedure can be carried out safely and comfortably.

 

Please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mike Stearns to discuss the removal of your wisdom teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

Cleveland clinic. Wisdom Teeth Removal. Retrieved from clevelandclinic.org: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22119-wisdom-teeth-removal 

 

Healthline. How Long Does It Take To Recover From Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery? Retrieved from healthline.com:

https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-recovery 

 

Hopkins. Wisdom Teeth Extraction. Retrieved from hopkinsmedicine.org: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/wisdom-teeth-extraction 

 

MayoClinic. Wisdom Tooth Extraction. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268#:~:text=During%20wisdom%20tooth%20extraction%2C%20your,easier%20to%20remove%20in%20pieces 

 

NIH.  Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Retrieved from nih.gov:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/ 

 

Rutland. Dental Care. Retrieved from rutlanddental.com:

https://www.rutlanddental.com/