Extractions of teeth are performed for a variety of reasons including tooth decay, root tip removal, removing impacted or problematic wisdom teeth and also removal of healthy permanent teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Lem has experience in all areas of tooth extraction. General dentists and some orthodontists commonly refer patients to Dr. Lem to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This generally occurs between the ages of 15 to 21. Many wisdom teeth are impacted inside the bone meaning that they are partially or completely below the gums.
Complications of having impacted wisdom teeth can be:
- Infection - food or bacteria can collect around an
impacted tooth, which can lead to a serious infection.
- Damage adjacent teeth - sideways growing wisdom tooth can crowd the adjacent tooth causing gum disease or decay.
- Crowding - forward movement can twist other teeth
- Pathology - cysts can form around impacted teeth, which can damage nearby bone, nerve, or teeth.
The patient can choose to either stay awake (local anesthesia) or go to sleep (I.V.sedation) for this procedure.
Dr. Lem has taken wisdom teeth out on patients that range from 12 to 80 years old. His patients appreciate his gentleness, patience, and concern for their well being.
