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Removal of Teeth (Extractions)
A dental extraction may sound like a frightening experience, but it is a common practice that often yields fast relief in a short visit. This procedure removes a tooth from the mouth and is commonly required when teeth become damaged past the point of repair.
You may need a tooth extraction if:
- A tooth is too damaged for repair due to severe decay or infection
- Advanced gum disease has made gums unable to support the tissues and bone structures of the mouth
- A tooth is blocking other teeth from coming in properly
- Relative to orthodontic work, teeth may need to be extracted in order to make room for other teeth moving into place
- Wisdom teeth usually need to be extracted and will often be pulled before they have fully come in
If a tooth has been broken or damaged, the dentist will first try to repair it with a filling or other treatment such as a crown. In the event the tooth is beyond repair, the dentist will proceed with scheduling an appointment for an extraction.
What To Expect
Dr. Sackheim will first administer anesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort. During the extraction, you will feel the pressure of the tooth being removed, but will not feel any pain. Typically, Dr. Sackheim is able to remove your tooth within a matter of minutes.
Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four teeth to erupt, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term "wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or "wisdom”.
In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.
There are several types, or degrees, of impaction based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw:
Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth (the crown) has penetrated through the bone, but the gingiva (gum) is covering part or all of the tooth’s crown and has not positioned properly around the tooth. Because it is difficult to keep the area clean, food can become trapped below the gum and cause an infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.
Partial Bony Impaction:The tooth has partially erupted, but a portion of the crown remains submerged below the gum and surrounding jawbone. Again, because it is difficult to keep the area clean, infection will commonly occur.
Complete Bony Impaction:The tooth is completely encased by jawbone. This will require more complex removal techniques.
Reasons to remove wisdom teeth:While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:
- Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease) and possible bone loss.
- Disease: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
- Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. This infection can often be extremely painful and unbearable.
- Tooth Crowding: It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.
Wisdom teeth examination
As with any dental procedure, Dr. Sackheim will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom teeth and other surrounding teeth. Digital x-rays will be taken in order for your dentist to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems. The x-rays can also show additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth removal. Only after a thorough examination can Dr. Sackheim provide you with the best options for your particular case.
What does the removal of wisdom teeth involve?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can be performed by Dr. Sackheim under local anesthetic. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary) to help manage any swelling or discomfort.