WisdomTeeth Extractions

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1. Introduction

Wisom Teeth are referred to the third molar teeth which consist of the mandibular and maxillary third molars. Wisdom teeth which usually appear when the person is old enough to have supposedly gained wisdom, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25.

Wisdom teeth are extracted for two general reasons; either the wisdom teeth have already become impacted, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted.

2. Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause accute (sudden) problems, chronic (ongoing) problems, or  no problems at all. Removing the teeth before symptoms develop can prevent or reduce future complications. 

Dental X-rays help the dentist to find existing problems and also help show whether your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems in the future. But it's not always clear whether your wisdom teeth will give you trouble. Potential problems include:

1. Acute periocoronitis (gum infection): As the tooth breaks through the gum, the gum can become infected, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes bleeding.
2. Chronic periodontal (gum) disease: Problems flossing at the back of the mouth can lead to gum disease. Or it may result if bacteria and food debris collect under the gum tissue covering an impacted tooth. Gum disease can lead to loss of the adjacent second molar. 
3. Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean because they are at the back of the mouth. This can lead to decay of both the wisdom tooth and the tooth next to it.
4. Crowding: An impacted tooth can push on nearby teeth, forcing them out of alignment. This can interfere with your bite. Crowding can also damage individual teeth.
5. Poor position: A tooth that grows pointing in toward the tongue or out toward the cheek can irritate nearby tissue. It may interfere with your bite. Problems can also occur if there is no corresponding tooth in the opposite jaw for the tooth to bite on.
6. Cysts and tumors: A tooth that's embedded in the bone is encased in a sac. This sac can fill with fluid, forming a cyst. A cyst can expand and destroy surrounding bone. In rare cases, a tumor forms in this area.

If one or more of your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems, your dentist may recommend removal. This can relieve your symptoms and protect your dental health. In some cases, you may be advised to wait or to try other treatments first.

3. Early Removal Is Often Recommended

Your dentist may advise removing the wisdom teeth even if you have no symptoms. This is because wisdom teeth roots mature and become more firmly anchored to the bone as you age. This makes removal more difficult. It also increases the risk of complications. People heal more slowly as they grow older.

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