Why the Seeming Rite of Passage: the Extraction of “Wisdom Teeth”?

The last teeth to erupt into the mouth are commonly referred to as “Wisdom Teeth”. These teeth can make their appearance anytime between the mid-teens and the mid-twenties.  Quite often your dentist will order a particular type of x-ray known as a “pan”. This x-ray allows the dentist to count the number of teeth present and diagnose any potential eruption problems. Eruption difficulties occur most often with these last teeth to erupt into the mouth.  There is frequently a lack of space to accommodate these late comers hence the prescription to extract these last molars to avoid possible difficult and painful issues later. Sometimes the prescription for the extraction of these teeth will come from an orthodontist again the lack of space being the issue.

The vast majority of “wisdom” teeth are extracted by dental specialists known as Oral Surgeons. This so because the extractions proposed are usually complicated and require special expertise and experience that oral surgeons provide.. The referral is made with the patient’s comfort and ease foremost in the referring dentist’s mind.

So if being a teenager is not difficult enough it is this period of life that is most ideal time to have problem wisdom teeth removed. Just one more “rite of passage” to deal with during an often tumultuous time of life.

Cheers

Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

We are tend to postpone anything that we perceive to be an unpleasant experience even if we understand the benefit of such experiences for ourselves or for those we love. Even with a caring a touch, dentistry for many remains a least favorite activity and is somewhat avoided.
In modern dentistry problems will the teeth or "gums" are often diagnosed long before there is any patient perception of difficulty (pain). "It doesn't bother me Doctor" becomes the excuse for delaying treatment. So the "cavity" or broken tooth or other problem remains untreated. Untreated difficulties in the mouth always become more severe if neglected and the result is the increased likelihood of pain and discomfort and inconvenience for the patient. In addition with delay there is likely to be an increase in complexity of the ultimate treatment solution required. This translates into increased cost to the patient.
The old adage"a stitch in time save nine" is most assuredly true when it comes to dental treatment. A small cavity untreated can easily turn into a "root canal".
Cheers,
Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

Why a referral to a Dental Specialist?

Occasionally a dental patient finds themselves referred to dental specialist to have a specific treatment completed. I have been asked some variant of the following question. Don’t you do.. ? followed by the name of the procedure. Because I am in general practice and perform all of the usual procedures associated with Family Practice my answer to the question is yes I do …. followed by the name of the procedure.  Most general dentists perform Endodontics (root canals),Exodontia (extraction of teeth),Prosthodontics(Crowns and Bridges) and Periodontics(Scaling and other gum related therapies) but it is important to remember that each case is unique. Some clinical situations are more difficult and complicated requiring the expertise of the specialist who has received advanced training.

 In these situations specialist delivered services have the best chance of achieving a comfortable and successful result for the patient.

Sometimes there is resistance to the dental specialist referral. This is understandable because there is often a travel requirement and certainly specialist fees are higher than those of the general dentist. Nevertheless I believe that when appropriate the services delivered by dental specialists are worth the extra effort and resources. 

A referral to a dental specialist has the patient ultimate welfare and comfort as its motivation.

Cheers ,

Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

"Mom my tooth is loose!"

One of the land marks in our children’s lives is the loss of their “baby “teeth. For the vast majority of kids this time of transition is uneventful. My own kids kept their loose teeth a secret from Dad because was I was also their dentist. I was always anxious to get their loose teeth out because if delayed too long the baby tooth can begin to effect the ideal eruption the adult teeth.  My counsel to parents is to be attentive. If your child complains of a” wiggly” tooth take look every once in a while and if the offending tooth seems to hanging on be thread a little tissue for grip and a twist (don’t pull!) does the trick! Maybe that is my children were so secretive!

 If you see a tooth that appears to be blocked by the yet to fall out baby tooth your child should see a dentist soon. Your dentist may suggest the extraction of the stubborn tooth right at the visit. With the appropriate "freezing" of course.  Some evaluation of whether there is adequate space to accommodate the future adult teeth is made at that time.

I used to get away with a quarter. What is the Tooth Fairy giving currently?

Cheers! Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist