In the old days, pain and uncertainties discouraged patients from seeking wisdom teeth extraction. Advances in dentistry have delivered solutions that guarantee painless procedures. Nowadays, dentists use CBCT scans to reduce risks in wisdom teeth removal. So, you don’t have to endure the pain induced by decayed or impacted wisdom teeth. But is CBCT really necessary for wisdom teeth extraction? Read on to find out.
Should you remove your wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth are the last molars to come out. So, they may not find enough space on the jaw to grow. This unavoidable occurrence can lead to impacted wisdom teeth, where the molars get stuck in the gum or jawbone. Some people experience pain or suffer from tooth misalignment due to congestion. To avoid these risks, your Toronto dentist can recommend wisdom teeth extraction. You’ll also need this surgical procedure to remove badly damaged or infected wisdom teeth.
Why do dentists use CBCT for wisdom teeth extractions?
Wisdom teeth removal may seem like a simple shake-and-pull procedure. Removing wisdom teeth without reliable solutions and strategies can lead to complications.
Loss of nerve sensations: Dental surgeons work close to the bone and nerves. A slight miscalculation can lead to nerve damage and loss of nerve sensations.
Severe bleeding: The jawbone and gums consist of arteries and an intricate network of blood vessels. Without CBCT, your dentist or oral surgeon will be working blind. They are more likely to damage arteries and blood vessels, leading to severe bleeding.
Wisdom teeth removal requires a comprehensive evaluation and radiographic examination to avoid these complications. Two-dimensional details provided by 2D x-rays are insufficient for planning complex wisdom tooth removal procedures. So, oral and maxillofacial surgeons use CBCT scans for evaluation and examination.
CBCT scans provide detailed 3D images, enabling accurate assessment of vital structures. Your Toronto dental surgeon can analyze CBCT scans to determine the proximity of sensitive tissues to the roots of impacted wisdom teeth. With CBCT, your dentist can avoid damaging the nerves and arteries in the jaw during surgery. Dental Surgeon Dr. Johnson uses CBCT for wisdom teeth removal to guarantee the outcome of procedures.
When is CBCT necessary for wisdom teeth extraction?
CBCT scan simplifies the evaluation and planning of intrusive surgical procedures, including wisdom teeth removal. However, some dentists and oral surgeons only use CBCT in complex wisdom teeth extraction surgeries. Here are four situations where CBCT is necessary for wisdom teeth removal:
Your oral surgeon should use a CBCT scan to determine the location of impacted wisdom teeth in the jaw. Oral surgeons remove impacted teeth from the tongue or the cheek side. So, 3D imaging ensures your surgeon doesn't make a surgical incision on the wrong side of the jaw.
CBCT should be used in complex cases where wisdom tooth has dilacerated roots.
CBCT is necessary if 2D x-rays indicate that your wisdom teeth cross or superimpose on the mandibular nerve canal.
Your oral surgeon will need CBCT if 2D x-rays show a disrupted nerve canal.
Dental surgeons also use CBCT scans for evaluation and planning of wisdom teeth removal surgery if there is evidence of cysts or other pathology. To avoid complications, get your wisdom tooth removed at a dental clinic with a CBCT machine.
Is wisdom teeth removal high-risk?
All surgical procedures have risks, and wisdom teeth extraction is no exception. Some patients experience painful dry sockets. But you can avoid this risk by ensuring the blood clot on the wound is not dislodged. The socket is susceptible to infection due to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria. Maintain proper oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid infections. CBCT scans can help reduce the risks. So, you don't have to worry about long-term complications.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Toronto varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. It is easier to remove misaligned molars than impacted wisdom teeth stuck in the gum. So, you’ll pay more to extract impacted teeth. On average, wisdom tooth removal costs $200-$850. Remember, wisdom teeth extraction surgeries require CBCT for evaluation and planning. But most clinics cannot afford CBCT machines or do not choose to have the device in their clinic. So, they send their patients to other clinics for CBCT scans. You may have to pay for CBCT scans and wisdom teeth extraction from different health providers, which can increase the price tag. To avoid additional costs, ensure your dentist or dental surgeon has a CBCT scanner in their clinic. At Toronto Smile Design Clinic, we have the latest CBCT machine.
What to expect during and after wisdom teeth extraction surgery
Wisdom teeth removal procedure varies depending on your situation. Your Toronto dentist or oral surgeon can administer local anesthesia before removing your teeth. Some patients have an dental anxiety. So, they need sedation or general anesthesia to guarantee their comfort during surgery.
Before removing your wisdom tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue. Then, they'll remove the bone to access the tooth root. Dental surgeons use different strategies to make it easier to remove impacted wisdom teeth. For example, your surgeon can divide the tooth into sections to simplify extraction. After removing the tooth, your surgeon will clean the site, stitch the wound, and place gauze to reduce bleeding and promote healing. You'll have to wait for the anesthesia to wear off to leave the dental clinic.
Most patients recover from wisdom teeth extraction after 2-4 days. But it takes longer for the wound to completely heal. Ensure you follow your dentist's instructions to hasten your recovery. You can place an ice pack on the cheek over the extraction site to manage pain and reduce swelling. Make sure you do not smoke. Eat soft foods for the first few days and rinse your mouth after meals to remove all food debris.
Like any other oral surgery, your dentist's expertise can determine the recovery period after wisdom teeth. Dr. Johnson has a Master's Degree in Oral Surgery with years of experience in tooth extractions. He uses CBCT scans for wisdom teeth removal management to eliminate the risk of nerve damage. For safe and professional wisdom teeth extraction, visit Toronto Smile Design Clinic.
