Wisdom Teeth

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in your mouth. They are are named for being the last teeth to come in, generally developing in when most individuals are near 17 years of age. Wisdom teeth are the least needed for good oral health, and the most likely to cause issues as they develop. Several problems as they attempt to emerge because they competing for room with the other molars in your mouth. This will pose an increasing amount of risk to the other teeth in your mouth as your wisdom teeth continue to grow.

Why should I have them removed?

The problems encountered as your wisdom teeth develop will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your jaw and the size of your molars as they grow in. Regardless, most people will encounter one or more of the following issues as your wisdom teeth grow and emerge from the gums.

• Tooth displacement and crowding; an emerging wisdom tooth will put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift out of place or damage them structurally. In severe cases, the wisdom tooth or a nearby tooth may become cracked or impacted. This may also make it difficult to properly bite down.
• Gum infection; as a wisdom tooth emerges, bacteria may become lodged under the gum flap, causing an infection beneath the surface of your gums.
• Decayed wisdom tooth; if the wisdom tooth is partially covered, it will be difficult to clean through regular brushing and flossing. This can cause the tooth to collect cavity-causing bacteria.
• Cheek irritation and mouth tissue damage; a poorly positioned wisdom tooth will cause irritation in the mouth, including the inside of your cheek and other mouth tissue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please schedule a visit with us. Wisdom teeth are best removed around the age of 20-24.

What is the procedure like?

The type and length of the wisdom tooth removal will depend on how developed your wisdom teeth are. We will begin with an inspection of the wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth, including one or more x-rays of your mouth. We will then schedule a date for the removal surgery. Very little pain will be experienced during the actual procedure, because a local anesthetic will be administered to your jaw area before the teeth are extracted.

The healing process begins immediately after the surgery. Following the extraction, you will experience some discomfort as the pain killing anesthetic wears off. You will be provided instructions and care products for use at home. You should plan to take it easy for a few days as your mouth heals.

We may also schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that the socket is healing properly and that your mouth is returning to a healthy state. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, or while you’re recovering from your surgery, please contact us!