Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to grow in and are considered a potentially problematic area of dentistry. That’s because while in some cases they align correctly and have enough space to emerge, in others issues can arrive such as:
- they remain partially impacted
- they grow at odd angles
- they are difficult to clean
These factors can lead to swelling, pain, decay and infection.
To manage these “less than ideal” situations requires a form of evaluation that goes beyond a simple clinical examination and makes use of advanced diagnostic tools.
Why a 3D X-ray is important for wisdom teeth
At Francesco Simoni’s Dental Practice in Lido di Camaiore, we start with a 3D radiology scan to understand if a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted, using CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging.
This allows the dentist to view the exact position of the tooth within the bone, its relationship with the adjacent tooth, the position nerve and the anatomical characteristics of the area.
Based on these images, the dentist can decide whether the tooth should simply be monitored over time or whether extraction is the most appropriate solution. A 3D scan provides a true view of the depth and structure of the area, enabling us to evaluate the available space, the angle of the roots and any factors that could make extraction more complex.
How 3D imaging helps plan wisdom tooth extraction
When extraction is the best solution, we use this three-dimensional information to help us plan every stage of the procedure. This includes:
- identifying the best access point
- determining how much bone may need to be removed
- assessing whether the tooth should be divided into smaller sections
- choosing the safest removal trajectory.
All this adds up to a more efficient and precise extraction with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.
If your wisdom teeth are giving you problems, the team at Francesco Simoni’s Dental Practice are equipped to deliver the very best treatment you can expect, drawing on accurate diagnosis, advanced technology and meticulous planning.
We guide our patients through every step of the process, explaining the diagnosis and the surgical procedure, as well as providing clear, detailed post-treatment instructions and follow-up care.
For us, a 3D X-ray is not simply an additional test, but the key to transforming a potentially complex extraction into a well-planned and straightforward procedure.