Oral Surgery
There are several conditions that may require oral surgery. Impacted wisdom teeth can become very problematic and painful, requiring extraction. Surgically anchored dental implants may be an option for patients who have lost teeth due to an accident or infection. They may also be preferred over bridges or dentures. Whether you need wisdom teeth extraction or dental implants, Avenue Dental can help.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
What are wisdom teeth?
Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced and should be removed before they become impacted - meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, everyone may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- pain
- infection in the mouth
- facial swelling
- swelling of the gum-line in the back of the mouth
Most oral health specialists will recommend an immediate removal of the wisdom teeth, as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. According to the American Academy of General Dentistry, third molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder.
What problems are often associated with impacted third molars?
- bacteria and plaque build-up
- cysts development (a fluid-filled sac)
- tumor development
- infection
- jaw and gum disease
What is involved in the extraction procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction surgery involves removing the gum tissue that presides over the tooth, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth, and suturing the opening in the gum-line.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a Implants are securely embedded into the jaw, so they look, feel and function just like natural teeth. Depending on the circumstances, implants can replace one tooth or multiple teeth.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What do dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires several visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to four months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required to place the “abutment” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the abutment portion of the root form implant. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.
