Most adults typically have two complete sets of molars by age 12, with a third set, known as wisdom teeth, emerging between the ages of 16 and 20. While most people develop 32 permanent adult teeth, their jaws are often too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth, leading to frequent impaction. Ideally, these teeth should fit seamlessly into the dental arch. Still, insufficient space can cause wisdom teeth to become impacted, causing crowding, shifting, and potentially damaging nearby teeth, nerves, or roots.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of cysts and infections, jeopardizing oral health. Even if there are no immediate concerns, early detection during their development allows for proactive removal, helping to prevent future complications. By addressing wisdom teeth early, we can safeguard your oral health and avert potential dental issues.
Soft tissue impaction occurs when there is insufficient space for the gum tissue to retract, preventing proper cleaning of the wisdom teeth. This can increase the risk of gum disease and cavities as food particles and plaque accumulate around the partially erupted tooth. Without adequate cleaning, the surrounding tissue can become inflamed and infected, resulting in further complications.
Partial bony impaction occurs when there is enough space for the wisdom tooth to partially erupt but cannot fully function during chewing. This incomplete eruption can create cleaning difficulties, allowing food particles and plaque to accumulate around the tooth. As a result, this condition may lead to complications such as gum disease, tooth decay, and discomfort.
In cases of complete bony impaction, there is no space for the wisdom tooth to erupt, leaving it embedded in the jawbone. If it is partially visible, its removal may require complex surgical techniques. The impacted tooth may be positioned unusually, making extraction challenging, especially if the shape or size of the jawbone and surrounding facial structures complicate the procedure.
During your consultation with our team, we will thoroughly examine your mouth and take digital X-rays. This assessment enables us to evaluate the position and complexity of your wisdom teeth extraction. By analyzing the X-rays and your oral condition, we can identify current issues and anticipate potential problems. This proactive approach ensures we can provide the best care for your dental health. We will also discuss appropriate anesthesia options to ensure your comfort during surgery.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling, so we ask that a parent or responsible adult accompany you and stay for the rest of the day. To access the tooth, we will create an incision in the gum tissue and, if necessary, remove some surrounding bone or divide the tooth into smaller pieces for a smoother extraction.
The procedure, which typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, may involve removing all four wisdom teeth in a single session for streamlined healing; however, we will only extract the necessary ones on the same day when not all require removal. Utilizing recent advances in medicine and technology, our state-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques promote rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. You can expect to be in the office for approximately 90 minutes.
After the extraction, you will have time to recover in a dedicated recovery area. We will provide you with an ice pack to help manage swelling. Dr. Ali Alijanian will go over post-operative instructions in detail, guiding you on how to care for the extraction site and promote healing. If necessary, we will also prescribe pain medication and an antibiotic, which you should take as directed, even if you start to feel better.
If your surgery involves stitches, they are typically dissolvable and will disappear within 3 to 5 days without needing removal. You may also experience a sensation of swelling in your gums or that they are pulling away from your teeth. This is a normal recovery process and should subside within a few days.
The most common clinical issue is pericoronitis, a localized gum infection. When there isn’t enough space for the wisdom tooth to fully erupt, the gum tissue surrounding it can become irritated and infected, leading to recurring pain, swelling, and difficulties with chewing and swallowing.
Non-infectious diseases can also develop in association with impacted wisdom teeth. Cysts, fluid-filled sacs within the jawbone, can form from impacted teeth and gradually expand, destroying the surrounding jawbone and occasionally affecting adjacent teeth.
Treating these cysts can become challenging if wisdom teeth are not removed during the teenage years. Although rare, the delayed removal of wisdom teeth can also lead to the development of tumors.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to crowding, particularly affecting the lower front teeth. This issue is often noticeable after a patient has undergone orthodontic treatment. Several factors can cause teeth to become crowded following braces or early adulthood, with retained, impacted wisdom teeth being a significant contributing factor.
Even if you don’t have an active problem, the primary reason for removing wisdom teeth is to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Consulting with an oral surgeon can help you make the best decision for your dental health.
If there isn’t enough space to properly clean around the wisdom tooth, the adjacent second molar can be negatively impacted, leading to gum disease, bone loss, and potential decay.
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