Wisdom Teeth

Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Third molar (wisdom) teeth, which normally come into the mouth in the late teens, often create problems related to lack of room and other conditions.

When they try to erupt, the most common complaint is pain from gum infection which can become serious in some cases. When they cannot come in completely they are referred to as impacted (see animation below). Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

When the sac in which the tooth develops remains behind in the bone, cysts or tumors may develop from it . Decay and bone loss can also develop in the good teeth in front of the third molars.

The ideal time to remove impacted wisdom teeth is the late teens to early twenties, hopefully before these potential problems arise, making treatment more difficult. A panoramic x-ray, a single film of the jaws like those shown above taken in our office, gives the clearest picture of the wisdom teeth and can show if they require removal.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, our doctors can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. We have the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia to allow patients to select the best alternative. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff experienced in anesthesia techniques.