Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that can hold only 28 teeth. These four extra molars are known as “wisdom teeth”.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth, usually in a person’s late teens or twenties. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.  Your dentist can determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed from the x-rays taken during your usual hygiene cleanings.

Problems caused by wisdom teeth:

  • When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection resulting in swelling, stiffness, pain and illness.
  • The pressure from erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of the teeth.
  • The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth.

Diagnosis

Generally, any potential issues with wisdom teeth are identified from the x-rays taken as part of routine oral examinations during a patient’s mid-teenage years. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment may result in a better outcome for the patient.

Treatment

  • In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia or IV (intravenous sedation). These options, as well as any surgical risks, will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed.
  • Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding, you will bite down on gauze placed in your mouth.
  • You will rest under our supervision until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include after-care instructions, a prescription for pain medication, and a prescription for antibiotics if needed.

 

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Western New York Dental Group Holland

9 North Main Street Holland NY 14080 (716) 537-2211

Western New York Dental Group Hamburg

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Western New York Dental Group Blasdell

3860 McKinley Parkway Suite 200 Blasdell NY 14219 (716) 649-1307

Western New York Dental Group Orchard Park

3326 Southwestern Blvd Orchard Park NY 14127 Main (716) 677-4255
Fax (716) 677-4358
Orthodontics (716) 343-0847
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Western New York Dental Group West Seneca

800 Harlem Road Suite 400 West Seneca NY 14224 716-824-5857

Western New York Dental Group Depew

6350 Transit Road Depew NY 14043 Main (716) 206-0718
Fax (716) 206-0728
Orthodontics (716) 529-1323

Western New York Dental Group Buffalo Main St

2121 Main St Suite 310 Buffalo NY 14214 (716) 832-3108

Western New York Dental Group Buffalo Delaware Ave

2290 Delaware Ave Suite 300 Buffalo NY 14216 (716) 885-1905

Western New York Dental Group Henrietta: Jefferson Road

1300 Jefferson Road Suite 300 Rochester NY 14623 (585) 625-1250

Western New York Dental Group Williamsville - Youngs Rd

1020 Youngs Road Suite 100, Youngs Center Williamsville NY 14221 Main (716) 636-1600
Fax (716) 636-2595
Pediatrics (716) 209-3331

Western New York Dental Group Brighton: Oral Surgery/Endodontics

2024 W. Henrietta Road Suite 5J Rochester NY 14623 (585) 292-1270

Western New York Dental Group Hopkins (formerly Dr.Steven Stern)

867 Hopkins Road Williamsville NY 14221 (716) 688-9639
Fax (716) 688-9698

Western New York Dental Group Getzville

2430 N Forest Rd Suite 200 Getzville NY 14068 (716) 636-8686
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Western New York Dental Group Penfield - General

43 Willow Pond Way Suites 107 Penfield NY 14526 (585) 421-8168

Western New York Dental Group Penfield-Specialty

43 Willow Pond Way Suite 112 Penfield NY 14526 (585) 421-5020

Western New York Dental Group Gates

2300 Buffalo Road Building 400 Rochester NY 14624 585-426-3020


Western New York Dental Group Tonawanda

88 Niagara Street Tonawanda NY 14150 (716) 343-6711

Western New York Dental Group Greece

1524 Ridge Road West Stoneridge Plaza Rochester NY 14615 Main (585) 865-2200

Orthodontics (585) 510-6353

Western New York Dental Group Webster

980 Ridge Road Webster NY 14580 Main (585) 667-1000

Western New York Dental Group Greece (Long Pond)

1100 Long Pond Road Suite 115 Rochester NY 14626 585-225-7790

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