Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Extracting wisdom teeth, also known as the removal of third molars, is a common dental procedure when keeping these teeth poses more harm than leaving them. While dentistry aims to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, there are situations where removing wisdom teeth becomes necessary.

Some of the reasons for removing include extensive tooth decay, impaction of the wisdom teeth, the need to create room for orthodontic treatments, or pain relief.

Picture of a woman having a toothache who needs a tooth extraction

Why might I need to have wisdom teeth extracted?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a fairly common dental procedure. Extraction is used when keeping the wisdom teeth will cause more dental issues than removing them. Here is a brief overview of some of the main reasons for tooth extraction:

Extensive decay – Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are severely decayed and beyond repair, since this can lead to infection and further complications.

Impaction of the wisdom teeth – When wisdom teeth do not have enough space in a person's jawline to fully emerge or they grow in an abnormal direction, they can become impacted, causing pain and potential damage to adjacent teeth.

Need for orthodontic treatment – In some cases, wisdom teeth may be removed to create space in the mouth, facilitating the proper alignment of other teeth during orthodontic procedures.

Pain relief – Wisdom teeth that are causing pain or discomfort may require extraction to alleviate the immediate discomfort.

How is the wisdom tooth extraction procedure performed?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common outpatient dental procedure involving several key steps. While the specifics may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's unique circumstances, the first step is for Dr. Souliman to examine the patient's mouth and takes X-rays to assess the position of the wisdom teeth in relation to the jawline and nearby teeth. Next, local anesthesia is administered, and an incision is made to access the tooth and bone. Dr. Souliman then carefully removes the wisdom teeth, possibly dividing them into smaller pieces if needed. After cleaning the extraction site, dissolvable stitches may be used for closure. Gauze is applied to control bleeding, and the patient is given aftercare instructions. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing and ensure a successful recovery.