Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
A common procedure
For many people, wisdom teeth unfortunately cause problems that can compromise dental and oral health. That's why extracting these teeth is often necessary to prevent complications. At our dental clinics in downtown Montreal and Côte-des-Neiges, our dentists carefully plan extractions to ensure safe, comfortable treatment with minimal healing time.
Lack of space for wisdom teeth: a question of evolution
One theory is that as our diet has changed from meat and raw foods to a variety of cooked foods, the shape of our jaws has also changed. As a result, the space available on the dental arches has gradually decreased. For this reason, wisdom teeth, which erupt later, between the ages of 17 and 25 on average, no longer have enough space to erupt normally and position themselves correctly.
When wisdom teeth cannot emerge properly due to insufficient space or an incorrect angle of eruption, there are considerable risks to oral health. Wisdom teeth may grow partially, meaning that part of them remains hidden under the gum: these are called semi-impacted teeth. Due to lack of space, these third molars may also remain completely under the gum: these are impacted wisdom teeth.
When is wisdom tooth extraction necessary?
Whether wisdom teeth are impacted, semi-impacted, or erupt normally, there are a range of problems that can affect them and the surrounding oral tissues.
Increased risk of disease: Because they are more difficult to clean on a daily basis, given their position at the back of the jaw, wisdom teeth are at greater risk of tooth decay or gum problems.
Infection of oral tissues: The gum tissue surrounding wisdom teeth is often irregular in shape, making it susceptible to trapping food debris and bacteria. There is therefore a considerable risk of tissue infection, especially for semi-impacted teeth.
Damage to adjacent teeth: Wisdom teeth often deviate from their normal eruption axis, especially impacted teeth. They can then exert pressure on adjacent teeth and even seriously damage their roots.
Dentofacial pain: All of the problems associated with wisdom teeth can result in pain in the teeth, jaws, and even the face.
Cyst formation: Repeated infections and problems can lead to the formation of cysts in the jaw, around the wisdom teeth.
Because of these potential problems associated with the irregular eruption of wisdom teeth, many people need to have them extracted to prevent or resolve complications. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure and is often performed for preventive reasons, before complications arise.
We evaluate each case individually, taking into account age, current dental condition, jaw shape, oral hygiene, and overall health to determine if extraction is the best option.
Surgery planning: an important step
Although common, wisdom tooth extraction requires careful planning. At Le Dentalis clinic, we take several factors into account, such as proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve and overall health. These considerations help us minimize the risk of complications such as nerve damage, infection, or even post-operative pain. Thanks to accurate X-rays, we can carefully plan each step of the procedure for extracting problematic teeth. Careful surgical planning ensures a safe and effective procedure.
Discuss your concerns about wisdom tooth extraction
If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom tooth extraction, our team at Le Dentalis clinic is here for you. We encourage you to discuss them openly with your dentist. Together, we will explore the best treatment options for your specific case, providing you with all the information you need to approach this procedure with confidence and peace of mind.