WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the jaw that begin growing (or “erupting”) in late childhood. Most people do not have a large enough mouth to handle wisdom teeth and need them removed.

When wisdom teeth erupt, the tooth can become impacted, which means the tooth isn’t in alignment with the other teeth. This can cause pain, swelling, bad breath, tooth decay, and even lead to tumors and cysts that can affect nearby healthy teeth and jawbone. Even wisdom teeth that appear to erupt correctly can cause periodontal disease and tooth decay problems as a person age. Wisdom tooth extraction as a teen is considered a necessary preventative procedure that can help avoid painful problems in adulthood.

Wisdom teeth get harder to extract as we age because the roots get longer, and the jaw gets denser. This can lead to more complications and longer recovery times if wisdom teeth are extracted in adulthood instead of in a person’s teenage years.

If you do not remove your wisdom teeth, you will want to schedule routine dental appointments. Untreated wisdom teeth can lead to the following:

• Periodontal Disease
  

  Some patients may develop a serious gum condition if wisdom teeth are not removed. Periodontal disease damages the gums and can destroy the jawbone. Bacteria may then spread and infect more teeth.

• Infection
  

  Bacteria can collect in difficult to clean areas that may cause infection.

• Pain
  

  Pain is the most common symptom when wisdom teeth begin to erupt.

• Decay
  

  Wisdom teeth can cause decay or resorption of neighboring teeth.

• Sinus Issues
  

  Eruption of wisdom teeth may cause sinus pain, pressure and congestion.

• Impaction
  

  Impacted teeth do not have the potential to erupt so you cannot use them to chew.

• Crowding
  

  Permanent teeth may shift, undoing the effects of braces.

• Cysts and/or Tumors
  

  A fluid-filled cyst or tumor may form around untreated wisdom teeth. This can lead to more serious problems as it hollows out the jaw and damages surrounding nerves, teeth and other structures.

Wisdom teeth procedures typically take 30 to 60 minutes. You can expect to be in our office 1.5 to 2 hours for consultation, procedure and in-office recovery time.