Wisdom teeth extraction
At Clinique dentaire Julien & Marin, located in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges borough, you'll receive professional, attentive care for your wisdom teeth extraction. Our experienced dentists use modern techniques to ensure a gentle procedure and rapid recovery.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to appear in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 21. For some people, they may appear later or never at all. In the past, these teeth helped our ancestors chew harder foods and replaced badly worn teeth. Today, wisdom teeth are no longer as useful as they once were, due to changes in our diet and oral hygiene.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Although not systematic, wisdom teeth extraction is often an essential preventive measure to avoid a range of oral problems. Here are some of the main reasons:
Inclusion of the Tooth: When wisdom teeth remain completely embedded in the gum or bone, they can form cysts or damage the roots of neighbouring teeth, leading to serious complications.
Repeated Infections: for partially erupted teeth, the difficulty of access for brushing and flossing around them can lead to infection, inflammation and gum disease.
Misalignment: wisdom teeth can grow in problematic directions, creating bite problems and pressure on other teeth, which can lead to pain and damage to neighbouring teeth.
Lack of Space: the modern human jaw is often too small to accommodate these extra molars. This lack of space can lead to pain, damage to other teeth and orthodontic complications.
Extraction in 4 Steps
Step 1
Initial Consultation
Your wisdom teeth extraction process begins with a consultation with your dentist. This can be entirely preventative, and can take place as early as adolescence. During this consultation, a complete assessment of your mouth is carried out, often using panoramic X-rays to determine the position of the wisdom teeth and plan the procedure. You'll also discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives to extraction with your dentist.
Step 2
Anesthesia
The second stage involves preparation for the procedure. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the extraction area. This prevents pain while the dentist extracts the wisdom teeth.
Step 3
Extraction
The main stage of the procedure is the actual extraction of the wisdom teeth. First, a small incision in the gum provides access to the tooth so that it can be carefully removed. Once the tooth has been removed, the extraction site is cleaned and closed with stitches to promote healing.
Step 4
Post-operative Care
After extraction, a period of recovery and follow-up care is necessary to ensure optimal healing. It is advisable to rest after the procedure and manage pain with appropriate medication. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling, and adopt a liquid diet consisting of soft foods, avoiding foods that are very hot and difficult to chew. Watch for signs of infection or complications, and contact your dentist if necessary.
Schedule Your Consultation Today:
To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 514-733-6522 or by e-mail at info@julienmarin.ca. The entire team at Clinique dentaire Julien & Marin looks forward to meeting you.