Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure in Canton, MI
There are times a tooth should be extracted to improve oral health and prevent additional complications. Impacted wisdom teeth and overcrowding are two common reasons for extraction.
When should wisdom teeth be extracted?
There are many reasons when tooth extraction is the best treatment option for wisdom teeth. One common reason for extracting a tooth is that it is impacted, which often occurs with wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth have not fully pushed through the gums. When teeth are impacted, inflammation and jaw pain can occur. There is also a higher risk of developing gum disease in the surrounding gum tissue.
Wisdom teeth that are not impacted might still need to be removed if they are causing overcrowding. If crowding is a problem and there is not enough room for all the teeth, wisdom teeth are extracted to create enough room for the remaining teeth.
What is the benefit of extracting a tooth?
Extracting wisdom teeth when needed can lead to better oral health. Removing infected or decayed teeth prevents the spread of infection or decay to other areas of the mouth. When overcrowding is a problem, removing some teeth to create additional space can make it easier to maintain better oral hygiene. Teeth that are crowded together due to wisdom teeth create optimal places for harmful bacteria to hide. Finally, extracting impacted wisdom teeth decreases the risk of developing gum disease in the affected area.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
At our office in Canton, MI, tooth extractions can be performed as a simple or surgical extraction. Your dentist will determine what type of extraction is needed based on the tooth being removed. Before beginning the procedure, local anesthesia or sedation is applied to minimize discomfort and help patients relax.
If a simple extraction is being performed, special tools are used to loosen the tooth and then lift it out. More complicated situations, such as an impacted tooth, often require surgical extraction. In that case, the tooth is broken into smaller pieces that are easier to extract. Once the extraction is complete, the gum tissue is stitched closed and will heal within a week or two.