Oral Surgery

• There are usually three sets of permanent molars that develop in a person’s upper and lower jaw. The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around the age of 6. The second molars grow in usually around the age of 12. Third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are the last of a person’s teeth to surface, usually between ages 17-25. Most people get four wisdom teeth, but some don’t have any, and in some rare cases people end up with more than four. Your dentist will observe your wisdom teeth through x-rays as part of regular examinations. In many cases, wisdom teeth do not grow in properly. There is also the potential of having unhealthy gum tissue around them. Often, wisdom teeth do not erupt properly or become impacted, requiring them to be extracted. The Canadian Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) states that 85% of people with wisdom teeth will eventually have to have them removed. Left untreated impacted teeth can cause a host of problems, including the misalignment of the jaw. Even if not impacted, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and often require removal to reduce the risk of decay and infection. To avoid potential problems later in life, most dentists remove impacted wisdom teeth. Your dentist will examine your mouth and x-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly. Impacted teeth may cause problems that can lead to infection, adjacent tooth resorption, gum disease, cysts, or tumors.

SYMTOMS OF IMPACTED TEETH

• Pain and stiffness of the jaw Infection in the mouth Headaches Facial swelling Swelling of the gum line in the back of the mouth Wisdom teeth are typically removed after the roots are formed, or at least three-fourths developed. This is usually in the late adolescent years. Surgeries performed later in life are still effective, but healing may be slower, and the risk of complications may be slightly higher. Wisdom teeth extraction is performed under local or general anesthetic and does not require an overnight stay. The surgery is performed in an environment of optimum safety, with modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

• Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also to provide a fixed solution as an alternative to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants can also provide excellent support and stability for these removable dentures in some cases. Dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist (gum specialist). The teeth or crowns attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile! Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

 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 your confident smile 
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion Restore or enhance facial tissues 
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

WHAT DOES GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS INVOLVE?  

• The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. After deciding that an implant is right for you, 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 six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants, the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time. After several weeks of healing, the artificial teeth or crowns are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. 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. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help to maintain your new implant.