Wisdom Teeth: What Are They and Why Do They Need to Be Removed?

Third molars also known as wisdom teeth, are the final four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They’re near the entrance to the neck, toward the back of the mouth (top and bottom).
In most situations, the wisdom teeth are unable to emerge properly and become fully functional due to a lack of room in the mouth. The tooth may get impacted (stuck) in an unfavorable or even dangerous position as a result of this. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections, damage to neighboring teeth, and even cysts or tumors if left untreated.

Different Types of Impaction
Based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw, there are numerous types, or degrees, of impaction:

Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth

While wisdom teeth extractions are not required in every case, they are frequently done to treat an active condition such as discomfort, swelling, decay, or infection, or to avoid major complications in the future.

If one or more wisdom teeth become impacted and are not removed, a number of potentially dangerous consequences might develop, including:

Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease), and possible bone loss.
Disease: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.
Tooth Crowding: It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.

Wisdom Teeth Examination

Your dentist will want to do a thorough examination of the wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth before proceeding with an extraction surgery, as with any other dental procedure. Your dentist will use panoramic or digital X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether there is a current problem or the likelihood of future complications.
Additional risk factors, such as degeneration or decay of neighboring teeth, may be revealed by X-rays. Early evaluation and treatment (usually in the mid-teen years) is indicated to identify potential problems and enhance the outcomes for wisdom tooth extraction patients. Your dentist can only give you the best solutions for your situation after a comprehensive examination.

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What Does the Removal of Wisdom Teeth Involve?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a frequent treatment that is usually performed in an office surgical suite under local anesthetic, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a properly qualified dentist. The procedure does not necessitate an overnight stay, and you will be given post-operative instructions as well as medicine (if necessary) to assist control any swelling or discomfort.

Please feel free to contact us today for more information on Wisdom Teeth Removal and booking your appointment!