Wisdom Teeth Removal in Calgary NW
Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very back of your mouth. They are the last teeth in the mouth. These teeth are called “wisdom teeth” because they usually come in at the age of 17 – 22 years old when a person is old enough to have gained some “wisdom”.
Many people have their third molars for their whole lives. Other people may have to have their wisdom teeth extracted, sometimes before these teeth have erupted into the mouth.
Do You Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Your Calgary dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction if any of the following situations are present:
- They are impacted within the jaw
- They are partially erupted
- They are difficult to reach or keep clean
- They are affecting the health of the adjacent teeth and gums
- They are growing at an angle
- They are causing sensitivity or pain
Not in all cases you can need wisdom tooth extraction in Calgary. But sometimes wisdom teeth can create problems in the jaw and adjacent teeth:
- Infection: when the wisdom tooth has partially erupted, the most frequent problem is pericoronitis – a localized gum infection around the wisdom tooth, which can lead to recurrent swelling and pain.
- Cyst: a non-infectious disease associated with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cyst is a fluid-filled balloon inside the bone. Cysts usually grow slowly but can destroy adjacent bones and teeth if left untreated for a long period of time.
- Damage to adjacent teeth: angulated, partially erupted wisdom tooth creates insufficient space for proper cleaning around the wisdom tooth and the tooth in front of it (second molar) which results in gum disease, bone loss around both teeth and/or decay.
- Crowding other teeth: when wisdom teeth are erupting, they may push the teeth in front of them, causing teeth shifting and leading to the crowing of front teeth.
- Impacted teeth: wisdom teeth may become impacted for various reasons. The most common reason is not enough room for the tooth to erupt properly. This can be due to the tooth being too big or the jaw being too small, or the wisdom tooth being internally rotated in the bone. They can be rotated or angled towards the back of the jaw, towards the adjacent tooth, or laying horizontally at the angle of the jaw.
In these instances, wisdom teeth extraction Calgary may be recommended. Please contact our office to consult about your wisdom teeth removal.
Wisdom teeth removal cost in Calgary
The wisdom tooth extraction price in Calgary depends on how difficult it is to extract the tooth. Some wisdom teeth may still be under the gums, in this case, cutting into the gums and bone will be required. Sometimes a general dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon specialist depending on how the tooth is positioned. It is always recommended to book a consultation with our dentist prior to booking any extraction appointments.
Wisdom teeth removal surgery in Calgary
Surgical wisdom teeth removal Calgary is called so because the dentist will need to make an incision in your gum if the wisdom tooth has not erupted or is partially erupted. Fully erupted means the tooth has broken through the gum and is fully out; whereas partially erupted means that part of the tooth has broken through the gums while the rest of it is still underneath. The dentist will freeze the area the tooth will be extracted from, known as a local anesthetic. The local anesthetic will numb the tooth and the area around the tooth so that no pain will be felt, however, pressure may be felt. If you are nervous/anxious about having dental work done, our clinic offers nitrous oxide, colloquially known as laughing gas, oral sedation, or a combination of nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
If you prefer general anesthesia, our dentist will be happy to refer you to an oral surgeon specialist closest to you.
What happens to the gum tissue that is cut? The dentist will sew up the incision area with dissolvable stitches which can take anywhere from 3-5 days to dissolve fully in your mouth.
After the surgery, you will require prescription medication for pain and infection control. As pain medication we recommend beginning with over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol), if that medication inadequately treats your pain, please start your prescription pain medication. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent the possibility of infection after surgical tooth removal. Please be aware, if you are taking birth control pills, that pills might become ineffective in combination with antibiotic treatment, and take appropriate precautions.
For 3-5 days after wisdom teeth removal surgery, we recommend a post-operative warm soft diet with clear fluids and soft food, gradually increasing in substance.
Typically, a follow-up appointment is made to see the dentist 7 days post-surgery so that the dentist can check that everything is healing well in your mouth.
Simple wisdom teeth extraction
Simple wisdom teeth extraction in Calgary is performed when the wisdom teeth are visible and are generally fully erupted. The dentist will freeze the area using local anesthesia, numbing the tooth. If you are nervous about dental work, Nolan Ridge Dental offers nitrous oxide, colloquially known as laughing gas, oral sedation, or a combination of nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
In a simple extraction, the dentist will loosen the tooth with dental tools. Once the tooth is loosened the dentist can pull it out. With erupted tooth, a tooth that has fully come out, the dentist typically will not sew up the opening. Diligence in following instructions on how to care for the area will help the gums heal faster and without complications. Sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infections from occurring. After tooth extraction, you may need to take painkillers such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and/or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to decrease pain and discomfort after tooth extraction. For 3-5 days after surgery, we recommend a post-operative warm soft diet with clear fluids and soft food, gradually increasing in substance.
Typically, a follow-up appointment is booked 7 days post-extraction so that the dentist can examine the area to ensure it is healing appropriately.
OF DENTAL SERVICES
ASKED QUESTIONS
Every individual has a different pain tolerance. Prior to your extraction, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to prevent any pain during removal. Our clinic also offers nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas as well.
If it is causing you pain or erupting at an angle that would cause damage to an adjacent tooth. If it is impeding proper home oral hygiene care such as the inability to brush the wisdom teeth properly. This can lead to cavities and periodontitis.
Yes. Typically, headaches or ear pain are caused by the wisdom teeth in the lower jaw. If you are experiencing this, we recommend you book a consultation with a dentist to verify that your wisdom teeth are the cause of this headache/ear pain.
Wisdom teeth typically start erupting between the ages of 17 to 21 however everyone is different and may have it erupt earlier or later. Sometimes the wisdom tooth/teeth may never erupt and remain dormant under the gums.
Not everyone requires wisdom teeth removal Calgary, however, it is recommended if it is causing you pain or impacting your ability to complete proper oral hygiene.
It can take up to a week for the gums to heal after wisdom tooth extraction in Calgary, however, it is also dependent on how difficult the procedure was (i.e., cutting into the gums). It also depends on the individual as well, some people heal faster after an operation, and some people take longer.
For the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom tooth removal Calgary, it is recommended that the person eats soft (pureed food) or soup, after 48 hours it depends on how the individual is feeling. Anything foods with seeds such as sesame, strawberries, bread with seeds in them or on them, etc. should be avoided until the gums are fully healed to prevent these food particles from becoming lodged in the extracted area.
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