Wisdom teeth, those third molars at the very back of our mouths, are so named because they generally erupt during late adolescence and early adulthood. When properly positioned, they can be an asset to us. However, when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these wisdom teeth, they can cause dental problems, such as infection.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth usually appear in young adults between the ages of 15 and 25. Some wisdom teeth will grow normally, while others become impacted, meaning they aren’t breaking through the gum. If the teeth haven’t reached their permanent location by age 25, then they’re considered to be impacted wisdom teeth.

An impacted wisdom tooth allows no room for the rest of your teeth to grow. Dentists use X-rays to evaluate whether your wisdom teeth have any chance of coming in properly and can advise you on the best time to have wisdom tooth removal.

Why Oral Surgery Is Necessary

Dentists recommend removing the tooth early, before other dental complications can develop.

Partially visible wisdom teeth are susceptible to bacteria that can cause wisdom tooth infection. Cysts and tumors can also grow on a trapped wisdom tooth, causing irritation and some pain as well as diseases of the gums.

Another problem occurs when the second molar, the last tooth before the wisdom tooth, is damaged as the wisdom tooth grows in without enough room.

The Benefits of Oral Surgery for Wisdom Teeth

The younger the patient, the easier the healing will be, which is another reason not to wait before removing impacted wisdom teeth. This oral surgery will be performed under anesthesia in the office of either a dentist or an oral surgeon.

We provide patients with maximum comfort while keeping the procedure efficient and cost-effective. Local anesthetic is always used, but you may opt for additional comfort with nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), IV sedation (twilight sleep), or deep sedation (general anesthesia).

An oral surgeon or your dentist can provide guidance on candidacy for wisdom teeth extraction. The bottom line is that wisdom teeth most often don’t fit well in our mouths, and they can cause other teeth to move or lead to gum disease or bone problems. Ask the dentist to make an evaluation and suggest the best course of action!