Why Wisdom Teeth Might Need Removal?
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are typically the final four of the 32 adult teeth to emerge in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, located at the very back of both the upper and lower jaws, near the entrance to the throat. The term "wisdom" comes from the idea that these molars erupt during a time when a person is generally considered to have reached greater maturity or "wisdom."
Sometimes, the mouth lacks sufficient space for wisdom teeth to erupt correctly and become fully functional. When this occurs, the tooth can become impacted, meaning it gets stuck in an unfavorable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and potentially the formation of cysts or tumors.
There are different categories, or levels, of impaction based on how deeply the teeth are situated within the jawbone:
Soft Tissue Impaction
The top part of the tooth (the crown) has broken through the bone, but the gum tissue (gingiva) still covers part or all of the crown and hasn't positioned itself properly around the tooth. This makes it difficult to keep the area clean, allowing food to get trapped under the gum and cause infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.
Partial Bony Impaction
The tooth has partially emerged, but a portion of the crown remains below the gum line and the surrounding jawbone.
Complete Bony Impaction
The tooth is entirely enclosed within the jawbone. Removing this type of impaction requires more complex surgical techniques.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal Might Be Necessary?
While not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, extractions are most often performed due to an existing problem like pain, swelling, decay, or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious issues in the future. If one or more wisdom teeth are impacted and left untreated, several potentially harmful consequences can arise, including:
- Damage to Nearby Teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be negatively affected by impacted wisdom teeth, leading to cavities (tooth decay), periodontal disease (gum disease), and possible bone loss.
- Disease: Although rare, cysts and tumors can develop in the tissues surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
- Infection: Bacteria and food particles can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection that can cause significant pain and pose a health risk.
- Insufficient Space for Growth: When there isn't enough room for the wisdom teeth to fully erupt and become functional chewing teeth, extraction may be considered.
The Wisdom Teeth Examination Process
As with any dental procedure, your dentist will begin with a thorough examination of your wisdom teeth and the surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital x-rays will be taken to allow your dentist to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists or the likelihood of potential future problems. The x-rays can also reveal other risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically during the mid-teen years) is recommended to identify potential problems and improve the outcomes for patients who need their wisdom teeth removed. Only after a comprehensive examination can your dentist provide you with the best options for your specific situation.
What is Involved in Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure, generally performed under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a specially trained dentist in an office surgery suite. The surgery does not usually require an overnight stay, and you will be discharged with post-operative instructions and medication (if needed) to help manage any swelling or discomfort.
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