When will a dentist need to pull wisdom teeth?

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are well-known for becoming problematic for many patients. Dr. Ken Poznikoff and his team at Riverside Dental Clinic in Drumheller, Alberta, work routinely with patients who need simple and surgical extractions of their wisdom teeth and other teeth. Let’s take a close look at situations where a dentist will need to extract wisdom teeth from the smile.

When will I need to have wisdom teeth pulled?

In various situations, Dr. Ken Poznikoff and his team at Riverside Dental Clinic may recommend tooth extractions. They include some of the following cases:

• Impaction. Wisdom teeth often become trapped (impacted) in the jawbone and gum tissue. This may be the result of a lack of space in the mouth or a misalignment of the teeth.
• Infection. If wisdom teeth do not fully emerge from the gums, bacteria can easily enter and cause an infection. This type of infection can be painful and may require emergency wisdom tooth extraction to resolve.
• Damage to surrounding structures. In rare cases, the wisdom teeth may also cause damage to surrounding teeth or nerves. This can lead to discomfort and other dental issues that require extraction as a treatment.
• Abscesses. If a wisdom tooth becomes infected, an abscess can form. This can be a dental emergency and may require immediate extraction to prevent further complications.
• Orthodontic treatment. When certain orthodontic procedures are being done, the removal of wisdom teeth may be recommended to ensure the proper alignment and movement of the teeth. It may be done before starting orthodontic treatment to give space for realignment of the smile using Invisalign aligners.

Where can I find a dentist offering tooth extractions near me in my area?

Dr. Ken Poznikoff of Riverside Dental Clinic serves patients in and around Drumheller, Alberta, and can educate patients on when they may benefit from wisdom tooth extractions. If you believe you need to have any of your teeth extracted, either with simple extraction or surgical extractions, we can help!

Call (403) 823-7755 to request an upcoming appointment with our team. We are located at 180 Riverside Drive East and open to new patients and families at our practice.

Dr. Ken Poznikoff, General Dentist

With over 38 years of experience, Dr. Ken Poznikoff is a highly skilled General Dentist and the owner of Riverside Dental Clinic. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree as well as degrees in Science and Pharmacy. Dr. Poznikoff is committed to advanced dental education and has completed extensive training in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sleep disordered breathing, sedation dentistry, dentures and restorative dentistry. He holds hospital privileges at the Drumheller Regional Health Complex, providing surgical care under general anesthesia. Dedicated to long-term patient relationships, Dr. Poznikoff’s expertise and compassionate care makes him a trusted dental professional in the Drumheller community.

Dr. Claude Boutin, Orthodontist

Dr. Claude Boutin is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with over 35 years of specialized orthodontic care in Calgary and at Riverside Dental Clinic. A University of Alberta graduate, he pursued advanced orthodontic training at the University of Toronto. Dr. Boutin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and an active member of multiple orthodontic associations. Known for staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, Dr. Boutin frequently attends national conferences and lectures at prestigious meetings. His dedication to excellence and his involvement in the community solidifies his reputation as a leading orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Ben Thomas, Periodontist

Dr. Ben Thomas is a distinguished Periodontist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Public Health, and a Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from the University of North Carolina. With IV Sedation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive periodontal care, including implant placement, gum grafting, and periodontal regeneration. A fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of several prestigious periodontal organizations, Dr. Thomas stays at the forefront of periodontal advancements. His dedication to patient care and extensive expertise makes him a trusted professional at Riverside Dental Clinic.

Dr. Scott Townsend, General Dentist

Dr. Scott Townsend is a General Dentist with 19 years of experience. A former hockey player in the Western Hockey League, Dr. Townsend brings the same dedication and teamwork to his dental practice. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Alberta and is a member of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, The Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. Dr. Townsend specializes in oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and periodontal treatments. His compassionate approach and commitment to ongoing education ensure that patients receive personalized surgical care at Riverside Dental Clinic.

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