Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, typically emerge between the ages of 17 to 25 and are the last four teeth to surface in the mouth. They are located at the back of the mouth, near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” is associated with these molars because they typically appear during a time often associated with increased maturity or wisdom.

In many cases, there is not enough space in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and function normally. As a result, the teeth can become impacted, meaning they are stuck in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, damage to other teeth, and even the development of cysts or tumors.

There are different types or degrees of impaction based on the depth of the teeth within the jaw:

Soft Tissue Impaction: The crown of the tooth has partially broken through the bone, but the gum tissue covers part or all of the crown, preventing it from positioning correctly. This can lead to food getting trapped below the gum line, causing infection, tooth decay, and resulting pain and swelling.

Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has partially emerged, but a portion of the crown remains below the gum line and jawbone. This creates difficulty in keeping the area clean, leading to frequent infections.

Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is fully encased within the jawbone, requiring more complex extraction techniques.

Reasons for wisdom teeth removal

While not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, extractions are commonly recommended for active problems such as pain, swelling, decay, or infection. They are also performed preventively to avoid potential serious issues in the future. If impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, several potential harmful outcomes can occur, including:

Damage to Nearby Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can adversely affect the second molars, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and potential bone loss.

Disease: Although rare, cysts and tumors can develop in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.

Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in infection, pain, and potential complications.

Tooth Crowding: Some believe that impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing misalignment or crowding. However, this theory is not universally accepted or supported by scientific evidence.

Wisdom teeth examination

Before considering wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital x-rays will be taken to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and identify any existing problems or potential future issues. These x-rays can also reveal additional risk factors, such as decay or deterioration of neighboring teeth. Early evaluation and treatment, typically in the mid-teen years, are recommended to identify potential problems and improve outcomes for those requiring wisdom tooth extraction. Your dentist will provide you with the best options based on a comprehensive examination.

What does wisdom teeth removal involve?

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure performed in a dental office surgery suite under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a specially trained dentist. The surgery is usually outpatient and does not require an overnight stay. After the procedure, you will receive post-operative instructions and medication, if necessary, to manage swelling or discomfort.

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