EXTRACTIONS & Wisdom teeth

Tooth Aches & extractions

When you have a toothache, the cause and severity of the problem will be assessed, and available treatment options will be discussed with you.

The worst-case scenario is that the tooth cannot be saved and may need to be extracted. However, toothaches don’t always mean extraction is necessary. In many cases, a simple filling can restore the tooth.

Avoid jumping to conclusions—it’s very difficult to diagnose dental issues over the phone. The best course of action is a consultation with Dr. Raval to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually emerge in the late teens or early twenties. When these teeth only partially erupt, they create an opening in the gum that allows bacteria and plaque to enter, leading to infection. This can cause pain, swelling, earaches, jaw stiffness, and even fever.

More often than not, wisdom teeth become more of a hindrance than a help. Most dentists—and patients—prefer to have them removed before they cause damage to surrounding teeth.

A panoramic x-ray, known as an orthopantomogram (OPG), is required to determine the positioning of your wisdom teeth. This x-ray also shows the proximity of the lower wisdom teeth to the inferior dental nerve (IDN) and the upper teeth to the maxillary sinuses.

If your lower wisdom teeth are close to the IDN, you may be referred for a 3D scan called cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This scan will determine the exact distance between the wisdom tooth and the nerve, helping us decide if it can be safely removed in the dental chair.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Recommended for Extraction?

There are several reasons your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, including:

Multiple Decay:
Wisdom teeth erupt at the very back of the mouth, often partially through the gum or at an angle. These positions make them difficult to clean, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate. Decay can then form between the wisdom tooth and the adjacent second molar.

Inflamed Gum (Pericoronitis):
When there isn’t enough room for a wisdom tooth to fully emerge, a flap of gum tissue can remain over part of the tooth. This flap traps food and bacteria, leading to swelling and infection. When biting, this flap can become compressed, causing ongoing pain and discomfort.

Abscess:
An abscess can form around or on the root of a wisdom tooth. This is a serious infection that may lead to the death of the tooth’s nerve and cause significant swelling, pain, and facial discomfort.

Crowding:
In some cases, wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift slightly. This pressure may lead to misalignment or discomfort.

Wisdom Tooth Decay Due to Poor Accessibility:
Because wisdom teeth erupt so far back in the jaw, they are often difficult to clean. This can lead to decay, weakening the tooth. A decayed wisdom tooth may fracture, leaving sharp edges that can irritate or ulcerate the surrounding soft tissue.