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 Oral surgery deals with the extraction of hopeless teeth, the removal of cys ts and the treatment of oral cancer. Patients are sedated during these procedures in order to ensure a maximum level of comfort. All of our doctors perform various types of oral surgeries, routinely handling even complicated extractions.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty which relates to the treatment of disease and disorders of the mouth, teeth and facial structures. This includes the removal of teeth, placement of dental implants, biopsy and removal of cysts and lesions of the mouth and jaws, and reconstructive facial surgery.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Adults can have up to 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to come through, right at the back. They usually appear when you are between 17 and 25, although sometimes they appear many years later.
Nowadays people often have jaws that are too small for all 32 teeth – 28 is often the most we have room for. So if all the other teeth are present and healthy there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly.
Do they always cause problems?
No. If there is enough room they will usually come through into a useful position and cause no more problems than any other tooth.
Often there will be some slight discomfort as they come through, but this is only temporary and will disappear once the tooth is fully in position.
Are wisdom teeth difficult to take out?
It all depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Your dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted. Your dentist will say whether the tooth should be taken out at the dental practice, or whether you should be referred to a specialist (oral surgeon) at a hospital. Very occasionally there is a possibility of some numbness of the lip after the removal of a lower tooth – your dentist will tell you if it is possible in your case. |
