Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth. They come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the "Age of Wisdom." Taking advantage of the fact that eruption occurs prior to full root formation, wisdom tooth extraction can often be accomplished through a simple, atraumatic procedure.
What is an impacted tooth?
When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is said to be "impacted." In general, impacted teeth are unable to break through the gums because there is not enough room. Nine out of ten people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
How serious is an impacted wisdom tooth?
If left in the mouth, impacted wisdom teeth may damage neighboring teeth, or become infected. Because the third molar area of the mouth is difficult to clean, it is a site that invites the bacteria that leads to gum disease. Furthermore, oral bacteria may travel from your mouth through the bloodstream, where it may lead to possible systemic infections and illnesses that affect the heart, kidneys and other organs.
Research has shown that once periodontal disease is established in the third molar areas, the problem is persistent and progressive, but may improve following extraction of the teeth.
In some cases, a fluid-filled cyst or tumor may form around the base of the untreated wisdom tooth. As the cyst grows it may lead to more serious problems as it hollows out the jaw and damages surrounding nerves, teeth and other structures.
Complications such as infection (A) , damage to adjacent teeth (B) and the formation of cysts (C) may arise from impacted teeth.
A: Infection
B: Damage to adjacent teeth
C: Formation of cysts
Why must the tooth come out if it hasn't caused any problems, yet?
Many people believe that as long as they are not currently in pain, they do not have to worry about their wisdom teeth. Often patients will experience mild pain early in the eruption process which will later subside. However, pain-free does not necessarily translate into disease-free. The surrounding tissues may become infected and swollen throughout the patient's life. Also, wisdom teeth that come in normally are still the teeth most prone to cavities and gum disease, according to a study by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Therefore, it is important that your dentist monitors the health of your wisdom teeth during your annual dental check-ups.
In general, dental and medical professionals agree that wisdom teeth should always be removed in the following instances:
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infections and/or periodontal disease;
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cavities that cannot be restored;
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pathologies such as cysts, and tumors, and
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damage to neighboring teeth.
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Wisdom teeth that are completely erupted and functional, painless, cavity-free, in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue, and are disease-free teeth they may not require extraction. They do, however, require regular, professional cleaning, annual check-ups and periodic radiographs to monitor for any changes.
Wisdom Teeth Growth by Age
Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, since their roots are not completely formed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Removal of wisdom teeth at a later age becomes more complicated as the roots have fully developed (may involve the nerve), and the jawbone is denser.
12 Years
14 Years
17 Years
25 Years
What happens during surgery?
If your dentist or healthcare professional recommends that your wisdom teeth be removed, you may be referred to a Midland oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the procedure. Before surgery, we will discuss the procedure with you and tell you what to expect. This is a good time to ask questions. Also tell us about any concerns you have. Be sure to let your doctor know about any allergy or illness you have and any medications you are taking.
There are several conditions that affect how easy it will be to remove a wisdom tooth. These conditions include how the tooth is positioned in relation to anatomic structures and teeth and the stage of root development. If the wisdom teeth are impacted the surgery might be more complicated.
Most of the time third molars can be removed with minimal pain. Usually, they can be extracted right at our office. Patients can be given either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. We willl discuss with you and recommend the anesthetic option that is right for you.
What happens after surgery?
Following surgery, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, both are part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses may help decrease the swelling, and prescribed medications can help manage the discomfort. You will be instructed to modify your diet following surgery and later progress to more normal foods. You may receive an antibiotic or antimicrobial mouthwash to treat or help prevent infection. Your oral health care is critical to good healing after the procedure.
What if I decide to keep my wisdom teeth?
If after discussing your situation with your family dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you decide to keep your wisdom teeth, be sure to take particular care in cleaning and flossing your teeth, especially the molars. Your third molars must be professionally examined regularly and x-rays of your wisdom teeth should be taken every year to make sure that the health of your teeth and gum tissue does not change. Also, remember that removing wisdom teeth later and life will often result in a prolonged recovery and possible incomplete healing.
Adapted from AAOMS.org