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604-294-8889

Email

brentwoodoms@gmail.com

Address

303-1901 Rosser Ave., Burnaby
BC, V5C 6R6

Wisdom Teeth Removal

The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen: sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. The “wisdom teeth” or Third Molars are the four other teeth that may or may not fit in your mouth causing pain and discomfort.

Do I need to have my Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth between the average ages of 17-25. When they align properly, and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Initial Exam

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Matthew can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in an ideal outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Matthew has the training, experience, and credentials to provide various types of anesthesia to allow patients to select the best option. Our services are provided ensuring optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a team experienced in anesthesia techniques.