Surgical removal of wisdom teeth

The normal dentition of an adult consists of two incisors, one canine, two pre-molars and three molars on each side of the jaw. The so-called wisdom tooth is the third of these molars and located farthest back in the oral cavity. It is the tooth that is formed last during the growth phase. Its development is often completed in adulthood. Most people do not have enough space so that the wisdom teeth properly align in their jaws. As a result, the wisdom teethoften remain totally or partially included in the jaw, or "retained".

This may result, in the development of hidden infections (Dentitio difficilis), decay or root inflammation of the wisdom tooth or the adjacent tooth. In some cases, surgical extraction of the wisdom tooth may become necessary.

Apicoectomies

Inflammation of the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is one of the most common causes of tooth ache. This inflammation is caused by the spread of a caries and the associated penetration of bacteria into the interior of the tooth (pictured left). In most cases, these infections can be cured with a root canal treatment.

Problems arise when the inflammation of the dental pulp extends to the tip of the root of the tooth. It may lead ot the expansion of the infection into the surrounding boned as well as soft tissue of the neck. During an apicoectomy, the infected tip of the root and infiltrated soft tissue are surgically removed to avoid complications due to spreading of the infection.

Periodontal surgery

An advanced periodontitis requires a gentle but thorough cleaning of root surfaces of the teeth and gingival pockets. Moreover, by using microsurgical operation techniques we can we gently open up the gums and remove the bacterial deposits under them. Simultaneously, atrophic bone tissue can be regenerated or replaced. This method is also referred to as "guided tissue regeneration", short GTR.