Oral Surgery Specialist

How Can I Tell if My Wisdom Teeth Need to be Pulled?

Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in crooked or sideways or become stuck or impacted under neighboring teeth. In those cases, it’s obvious they need to be pulled to prevent damage to other teeth. But even when a wisdom tooth comes in straight and doesn’t cause crowding issues, in most cases, it should still be extracted.Because they’re located far back in the jaws, wisdom teeth can be very hard to care for, and that means it’s very likely they’ll become repositories of harmful bacteria that can cause tooth infection and gum disease. Having them pulled eliminates those harbors for bacteria and reduces the risk of future problems.

What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extractions are performed using sedation to allow the patient to doze throughout the procedure. In most cases, incisions are made into the gum around the tooth to make it easier to elevate and remove the entire tooth, including the root. Sometimes a small portion of bone also needs to be removed to provide adequate access. Multiple wisdom teeth can be removed during a single procedure. Once the procedure is complete, pain relievers and cool compresses can be used to relieve any discomfort, and patients will be provided with complete care instructions to help the area heal properly.

What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?

Implants take at least three visits for placement in most cases. At the first appointment, a metal post will be implanted into the jaw bone. The second appointment won’t occur for several weeks, allowing the post ample time to fuse with the natural bone tissue. At the second visit, a second piece called an abutment will be attached to the post and an impression will be made and sent to the lab where the crown or artificial tooth will be made. Finally, at the third visit, the crown will be attached and adjusted for an ideal fit. Dental implants are extremely secure, and because they’re anchored in the jaw bone, they can stimulate natural bone production and help reduce the risk of future tooth loss.