Many teens and adults will have to undergo wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives.
Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, typically grow in between the ages of 17-25. For some individuals, wisdom teeth come in properly aligned with healthy surrounding gum tissue – in these cases, the need for wisdom tooth extraction is not necessary.
Reasons for wisdom tooth removal
Unfortunately for some, wisdom teeth are obstructed and cannot erupt through the gum because of issues such as lack of space in the jaw bone. Sometimes wisdom teeth are impacted, and only partially erupt through the gums, causing flaps of skin to form around the teeth which can be difficult to keep clean. This can lead to all sorts of dental issues such as red or swollen gums, bacteria collection leading to infection and/or gum disease, and tooth decay. In the event that wisdom teeth grow in crooked, the surrounding teeth may shift due to overcrowding, causing all sorts of other problems. We recommend addressing crooked, impacted, or obstructed wisdom teeth issues right away, especially if the condition is affecting the health of your other teeth.
Sedation options for wisdom teeth extraction
To ensure you feel as comfortable as possible before and during procedure, we offer our patients a variety of sedation options. Prior to the extraction, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic (freezing) to minimize any discomfort. In the event you’re feeling anxious or nervous about the procedure, we also offer nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, to put you at ease. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Our patients describe the effects as feeling tranquil or “light”, with a minor tingling sensation. You’re alert, yet calm. These effects disappear when the mask is removed from your face. You are able to drive home following your procedure, which is another advantage over other sedation techniques that usually involve having a driver come with you to your appointment.
If you're looking for a dentist in Saskatoon to have a look at, or answer questions about your wisdom teeth, give us a call – we’re here to help! 306.242.5233.
Dr. Michael Rosenhek
Dr. Kris Marshall
3-75 Lenore Dr.
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 7Y1