Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically appear in the early twenties, at a time when the jaw is already crowded with adult teeth. wisdom teeth can become impacted when they do not have enough room to erupt into the mouth. Impacted teeth can lead to complications such as painful inflammation or infection. It may also cause crowding or damage to nearby teeth or other structures. More serious problems may also occur if the development sac or capsule surrounding an impacted tooth enlarges to form a pathologic cyst. As the cyst grows it may cause bone loss within the jaw and permanently damage adjacent teeth, bone or nerves. In some cases, if a cyst is not appropriately treated, a tumor may develop from its walls and require an even more invasive surgical operation for treatment. wisdom teeth that are causing problems should be removed by a qualified oral surgeon. Removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure that is typically performed under general anesthesia. Complications from wisdom tooth removal are rare but can include temporary numbness of the tongue and lower lip, bleeding, and infection. With proper care, wisdom tooth removal is typically a safe and successful procedure with no long-term effects.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth

In general, earlier removal of wisdom teeth results in less complications with healing. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed by the time the patient is a young adult in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing. Older patients may be at greater risk for periodontal or gum disease in the tissues surrounding the third molars and adjacent teeth. Chronic infections of the gums may affect your general health and studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, asthma, and even cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon about the best time to remove your wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth that are left untreated can result in pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and other serious problems. The AAOMS recommends that wisdom teeth be removed before they start causing problems. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom tooth removal, please consult with our oral surgeon, Dr. Chris Davis by scheduling an appointment today.