Issues with wisdom teeth?
We can help.
OSsouth.nz | Oral Surgery South
Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars, can cause trouble due to the lack of space in the jaw.
Commonly, when they have issues coming through, this is known as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth (third molars) occur in various patterns:
horizontally,
at an angle,
vertically against the jaw bone or gums, or
backwards into the jawbone.
Cost can be a factor, but we do everything to maximise value.
Get in touch with us through your dentist to find out more.
ossouth
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Mesioangular Impaction
Mesioangular impactions are the most prevalent in most populations. The risk of these impactions are mainly associated with food becoming packed between the wisdom tooth and the molar in front of it, resulting in decay which can affect both teeth.
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Vertical Impaction
Vertical impactions occur when the wisdom tooth is orientated corerctly, but becomes stuck against the jaw bone, gums or adjacent tooth. These commonly have a flap of gum over them which creates a pocket for bacteria and debris, thereby potentially leading to pain and infection.
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Horizontal Impaction
This is when the wisdom tooth is growing forwards into the back of the adjacent molar. A gap can occur between these two teeth, exposing some of the root surface of the molar in front of the wisdom tooth.
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Distoangular Impaction
Distoangular impactions are generally the least common but can be tricky to remove due to the lack of space behind the wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth often develop with an associated follicle that acts like a yolk sack, but when they don’t come through, these follicles can persist, leading to possible cystic changes.
A bit nervous?
We will talk you through every step of the process to ensure you don’t feel like a passenger. Procedural sedation is a good option if you need something to take the edge off. However, if you’re still anxious and have an appropriate health insurance plan, these can be performed under a general anaesthetic.