Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the last molars in your mouth and the last to form, starting around age 16. Sometimes these teeth fully erupt and can be used to chew like any other tooth. Sometimes, they may not fully erupt, partially being covered by the gum, or they may be impacted and not show in the mouth at all. Not everybody has wisdom teeth. 

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can be the culprit of several problems, which is why their removal is often recommended. Lower wisdom teeth that are partially covered by the gum can be hard to clean, and food that gets trapped around them can lead to inflammation of the overlying gum causing swelling and pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can become cystic, or act as a plaque trap, causing decay in the adjacent molar. 

Dr. Minkov extracts wisdom teeth under local anaesthetic right here in the office. If they are quite submerged in the gum, a small incision will be required to gain access to the tooth in order to remove it. Normal procedures take roughly 40 minutes. If an incision is necessary, stitches will be placed that dissolve on their own, and home care instructions will be provided. Sometimes an antibiotic may be prescribed as well as pain killers to manage the healing process after the procedure.  

Care after Wisdom Tooth Extractions

What to Expect

If you are seeing Dr. Minkov for the first time:

• Dr. Minkov will listen to your story and your requests for what you want to have looked at. A preliminary history of your previous dental experience. He will hear out your dental goals: any recent issues you may be having with your teeth or aesthetic changes you want to achieve. 
• Dr. Minkov will have to do a full examination(link to routine exam) of your teeth and gums, including x-rays to put together a full picture of the current condition of your mouth, identify anything that may need treatment or prevention so that we can combine your goals, your past and present to recommend a way forward that fits with you.