What are impacted wisdom teeth ?
Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed ?
If you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt,a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structures in fully developed. In some patients, it is as early as 12 of 13 and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to the removing your wisdom teeth include:
Infection :
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected resulting in recurrent pain, swelling and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst formation :
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although, rare tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible crowding :
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
Damage to adjacent teeth :
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth and/or decay.
After extraction of wisdom tooth ?
The removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. This is discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding bite down on the guaze placed in your mouth. You will rest under supervision in the clinic until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your post operative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics. If you have any questions, Please do not hesitate to call us.
