Wisdom Teeth

What are wisdom teeth?

By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth—16 on the top and 16 on the bottom. Each tooth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency that is suitable for swallowing.

The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. Therefore, it can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth designed for only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as “wisdom teeth,” which usually develop between the middle teenage years to early twenties.

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 happen often. 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, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

These poorly-positioned, impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may shift other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. A serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Many studies have shown that retaining wisdom teeth leads to a whole host of other very serious medical problems, including heart disease. Early removal of impacted teeth is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Gadler can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may present future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for patients. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their general dentist, orthodontist, or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Removal

In many cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or general anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e. sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you during your consultation. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is usually sutured using resorbable (dissolving) sutures. To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your post-operative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics and a follow-up appointment in one week for evaluation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us if needed at Fletcher Hills Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center Phone Number (619) 334-8880.