Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Procedures:
WISDOM or 3rd MOLAR EXTRACTION*
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. An x-ray can typically help the doctor determine when is the most appropriate time for extraction.
Reasons for wisdom teeth removal:
- Wisdom teeth that are misaligned they can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or nerves.
- The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth.
- Wisdom teeth that lean toward the second molars make those teeth more vulnerable to decay by entrapping plaque and debris.
- Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted (gum tissue covers back on 3rd molar) allows for an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection, which results in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness. Partially erupted teeth are also more prone to tooth decay and gum disease because their hard-to-reach location and awkward positioning makes brushing and flossing difficult.
- Teeth that remain partially or completely entrapped within the soft tissue and /or the jawbone are termed "impacted." impacted teeth can become infected and can crowd adjacent 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.
When is the best time for wisdom tooth removal? Your general dentist, orthodontist and surgeon may reccommend extraction of your wisdom teeth to prevent the problems above. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure. With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Casey can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems.
Current research shows that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome and recovery for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If your child is in orthodontic treatment it is common for the orthodontist to refer to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an evaluation for wisdom tooth extraction as it is part of their reccommended protocol for completion of orthodontic treatment and long term stability of teeth.
TOOTH REMOVAL PROCEDURE
All procedures performed in the office are performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Casey is licensed and has excellent training and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) and/or I.V. sedation anesthesia. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in all anesthesia techniques. These options as well as the surgical risks (i.e. sensory nerve damage, sinus complications and jaw fracture) will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed.
Once the teeth are removed, you will rest comfortably under our supervision in our recovery suite until you are comfortable and are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your post-operative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics if needed and a follow-up appointment.
IMPLANT REPLACEMENT OF EXTRACTED TOOTH
In some situations, teeth can be extracted and implants can be positioned in their place. This is a great way to avoid cost of future anesthesia and additional surgical recovery time. An immediate implant is a great and easy way to replace the tooth that needs to be extracted. Please ask Dr. Casey if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (239) 947-6637 If you have any questions.
*Pictures from WebMD2003.
ORAL SURGERY PROCEDURES
FACIAL COSMETIC PROCEDURES
Transsphenoidal Approach to
Pituitary Gland Macroadenomas
CRANIAL BASE SURGERY
