Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of molars located at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While these teeth can be valuable for some individuals if they erupt correctly and align with the rest of the teeth, they often pose problems due to various reasons:

1. Limited Space: In many cases, there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth properly. This can result in their becoming impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge from the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort.
2. Misalignment: Wisdom teeth may grow at an angle or in a direction that doesn’t align with the other teeth. This misalignment can lead to issues like crowding, shifting of adjacent teeth, and malocclusion (an improper bite).
3. Infection and Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets in the gums where food particles and bacteria can get trapped, leading to infection or gum disease. This can result in pain, swelling, and bad breath.
4. Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth. While these occurrences are infrequent, they can cause significant health problems if left untreated.

Due to these potential issues and the discomfort they can cause, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed preventatively, especially if X-rays or examinations indicate the likelihood of problems. Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure performed by our oral surgeons to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and maintain overall oral health.