Wisdom Teeth Removal in Barrie

Wisdom teeth get their name from the fact that a person will have to be at least 17 to 25 years old for the teeth to erupt. Some people welcome all four of their wisdom teeth, while others have less. Research has also found that some individuals are void of any wisdom teeth all together.

This might be because of a genetic mutation or because we’re slowly evolving to not need them anymore. When we consider the reality that most wisdom teeth need to be removed, it becomes easier to believe that they’re more of an accessory rather than a necessity.

That depends. There are some people who are able to welcome their wisdom teeth into full eruption without problems. More often than not, these individuals have wider jaws and thus more surface on the gums to accommodate the full set of 32 teeth. However, studies have found that humans are collectively evolving to have much smaller jaws.

Because the food we eat requires very little effort to masticate and grind, our jaws have adapted to become much smaller. And thus, the third pair of grinding molars that we’re supposed to grow now often lose their place. When there isn’t enough space for the wisdom teeth to surface, the possibilities for complications increase.

There are a variety of problems that could emerge if a wisdom tooth can’t push through the gum line. And these include:

• Incomplete eruption - This simply means that the crown was not able to fully surface through the gums. And because this leaves the gums open, the area becomes prone to infection. Individuals with incompletely erupted third molars might also feel discomfort and pain emanating from the site as a result of the soreness and inflammation caused by the incomplete process on the soft tissues.
• Impacted molars - Impacted molars are basically wisdom teeth that erupt sideways. The head of the crown presses against the second molars and the tooth applies force towards the rest of the teeth. Impacted molars can be painful and prone to infection. In some cases, they might even force the other teeth into misalignment, resulting to both cosmetic and occlusion problems.
• Pericoronitis - If a wisdom tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gums, then the soft tissues may inflame, becoming predisposed to cysts and even tumorous growths. The extraction of the emerging or poorly surfaced tooth can reduce the pressure on the gums and restore them back to optimal health.
• Recurrent pain - It’s not impossible for the pain that comes hand in hand with an erupting wisdom tooth to keep resurfacing for years after it surfaces. That’s mainly due to the fact that the gums are not optimally healed or positioned relative to the teeth, making them prone to damage from brushing or chewing.
• Infection - A wisdom tooth’s position at the back of the mouth makes it especially prone to infection. If poorly or incompletely erupted, small crevices between the wisdom tooth and the one next to it can become a breeding ground for bacteria as plaque, tartar, and food debris collect away from the reaches of conventional cleaning methods.

The necessity of removal depends on whether or not the tooth in question might risk complications later on. Consult with one of the dentists at Barrie to determine whether or not your wisdom teeth can stay in place without issues, or if they need to be removed to prevent further dangers to your oral health.

Impaction is the most common reason for wisdom tooth removal. The improper eruption of the tooth through the gums won’t only heighten the risk for infection and decay, but it also compromises the condition of the surrounding teeth.

Although an impacted tooth might not cause too much trouble now aside from some discomfort or mild to moderate pain, it can become detrimental to your dental health down the line. Some of the signs of an impacted third molar include:

• Swollen gums
• Pain, tenderness, sensitivity emanating from the area of eruption
• Unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth
• Foul odor coming from the area of the tooth
• Difficulty eating
• Pain or discomfort upon opening and closing the mouth

So, why exactly do wisdom teeth become impacted? As the last of the adult teeth to emerge from the gums, wisdom teeth have the smallest amount of space to surface. But because they’re naturally programmed to somehow push through the gums, the tooth will try to find a way to make it possible - even if that means pressing against the other teeth in the line-up.

The narrow jaw that most people these days have make it easier for wisdom teeth to emerge sideways instead of vertically upwards. With its crown pressed against its neighboring tooth, the third molar becomes impacted, perpetually applying pressure on other teeth and structures in its area. This constant pressing is what pushes the teeth into misalignment, causing malocclusion, pain, decay, and a host of other dental health concerns.

While it might be possible to speculate whether you’ve got an impacted tooth or not, there’s still no better way to confirm it than by visiting your dentist. At Barrie, our dentists can provide you sound information and diagnosis to help you plan your next step for your third molars. Visit our clinic today and find out whether your wisdom teeth are impacted and if an extraction should soon be scheduled.

So you’ve got a problematic third molar and you’re just not ready to have it removed. What’s the worst that could happen if the tooth was left in its place? The risks for the problems listed above do not decrease with time. In fact, problems with third molars might become even more pronounced as you age.

If you decide not to have your wisdom teeth pulled out, our dentists at Barrie can provide you all the information you need in order to properly care for the intact tooth and prevent complications down the line. Failure to effectively clean and take care of the wisdom tooth puts it at risk of infection, tooth decay, and pain.

In cases where a wisdom tooth has been left untouched for too long, the tooth may alter the positioning of the teeth in the mouth. The force of the erupted tooth can press on its neighbours, pushing them to make room for itself. This then causes overcrowding, forcing teeth to overlap and become crooked.

While the cosmetic issues caused by this shifting of positions can be problematic enough, the change can also result to malocclusion. This negatively impacts your bite, and increases the possibility of infection and decay since there are more surfaces of your teeth that are inaccessible to traditional oral hygiene methods.

If a wisdom tooth is allowed to realign the teeth, then you might end up paying more to restore proper alignment. After the extraction, you might have to undergo orthodontic treatment - like braces - to resolve malocclusion and minimize the risk of associated complications. So the more you wait, the more expensive you’ll have to pay to restore your teeth.

Many people shy away from tooth extractions in fear of pain and cost. But our dentists at Barrie guarantee to provide you all the necessary information and clarification to make you feel comfortable throughout the process. Their fair prices and careful processes prioritize your comfort and convenience so you can go through the entire extraction without apprehension.

Perhaps the most common question on the minds of those who are candidates for third molar extraction is this - will it hurt? As a minor surgical procedure, dentists know better than to perform the extraction without the necessary anaesthesia. Typically, dentists will use Novocaine to numb the area of the tooth to be removed. Patients who are especially worried or apprehensive may also be given a sedative to calm the nerves and keep them relaxed throughout the procedure.

Our dentists are Barrie are careful to make sure that each patient is comfortable and fully informed before the beginning of the procedure. With years of experience under their belts, our dentists demonstrate exceptional precision when it comes to determining the ideal dose of anaesthetic to guarantee a smooth and pain-free procedure.

After the extraction, you might expect moderate pain at the site of the removal. The pain might be most pronounced up to two days after the procedure. Mild pain, discomfort, and swelling might remain for up to two weeks after the tooth is removed. If your dentist applied stitches to assist in the healing of the area, then it’s possible that you might have to return a week after to have the stitches removed.

Your dentist will also instruct you to observe a specific diet as you recover from the extraction. A soft diet will be recommended to limit the pressure of mastication on your gums and teeth. Blended soups, mashed vegetables, light broths, and pureed fruits are all good choices for your recovery diet.

The dentists at Barrie know that the process of tooth extraction doesn’t simply end when the tooth is taken out. Our professional dentists will provide you all the information and guidance you need to help you through the recovery process and to ensure that your extraction heals as soon and as effectively as possible.

In some cases, and individual might experience poor healing after a wisdom tooth extraction. This will sometimes occur as a result of poor aftercare which is imperative to the proper healing of the surgical site. Maintaining an awareness of the status of your oral health after undergoing third molar removal should help you pinpoint when it’s necessary to seek your dentist’s guidance and treatment for potential complications.

Some of the signs of poor healing after wisdom teeth extraction include:

• Severe pain
• Sensitivity
• Tenderness
• Pus
• Numbness of the tongue, lips, chin, or other surrounding structures
• A foul odor coming from the site of the extraction
• Fever

These are the most common signs of poor recovery, but it’s not an all-inclusive list. If you’re suspecting that your wisdom tooth extraction isn’t healing as planned, then make sure to reach out to your dentist.

At Barrie, we provide optimal care before, during, and after the extraction procedure to minimize the risk of complication and to encourage optimal healing. Our skilled dentists have been in the business for years, ensuring top-tier dental care that eliminates the potential of these post-surgical issues from developing.

Now, the big question - how much does wisdom tooth removal cost? Well, it really varies from dental clinic to dental clinic. Generally, dental extractions in Canada can cost anywhere from $130 or more, depending on the unique factors that surround a patient’s specific case.

At Barrie, we provide wisdom tooth extractions at fair and competitive prices, helping you achieve relief from the pain that the condition causes without having to put too much of a dent on your wallet. On top of that, we also offer a range of payment options, put in place to help make sure that all of our clients can enjoy the convenience of paying through a channel that best suits their financial situation.

Consult our dentists today and find out how much your specific tooth extraction might cost, and discover premium dental care at a patient-friendly price when you step into our clinic.

You probably read the information provided here because you or someone you know is currently experiencing the brunt of a wisdom tooth eruption. If you suspect that you might need an extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dentists in Barrie to get a consultation and find out the best possible course of action for your tooth.

With pristine world-class facilities, board-licensed professional dentists, and a careful treatment process that ensures the safety and comfort of each patient, we take pride in our operations that have improved countless smiles throughout the years.

Let us be a part of your dental care experience and find out why we’ve become one of the most trusted names in the business. Contact us today and find out how we can help you achieve relief and protect your dental health from that pesky third molar.