Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Extractions: Wisdom teeth, or third molars are
the last permanent teeth to form and move into the mouth. Wisdom
teeth will usually emerge at around 16 to 18 years of age and be
fully developed by the age of 22 or 23. This was assumed to be the
"age of wisdom", which is where the term wisdom teeth originated.
There are usually four wisdom teeth, one in each rear corner of the
mouth. If the jaw bone is long enough, the wisdom teeth may grow in
with no resultant problems.
Problems Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
If the jawbone is not long enough, the wisdom teeth will not
have enough room to erupt and will become trapped inside the
jawbone. In this case, the wisdom teeth have become impacted.
Partially erupted teeth are considered to be impacted. Naturally
occurring bacteria in the mouth can work their way down to the
impacted wisdom teeth, frequently causing infection in the
surrounding gums and bone. Repeated soreness around the wisdom teeth
is often mistaken as an effort of the wisdom teeth to erupt. This
soreness, however, could be a sign of infection. Surrounding bone,
tooth roots and adjacent teeth may be harmed if left untreated.
The constant pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can also damage
adjacent teeth. You may not feel anything until significant damage
has occurred. This pressure may also push other teeth out of line,
possibly creating a need for orthodontic treatment.
Even if you have no symptoms now, headaches, earaches, pain in the
face, neck, throat and upper and lower teeth can occur if impacted
wisdom teeth are not removed. Cysts can also develop around impacted
wisdom teeth. The sac or growth follicle that surrounds the
developing wisdom teeth may remain when the teeth are impacted. This
sac can fill with fluid and become cystic, destroying bone
surrounding adjacent molars. In rare instances, if the cyst is not
treated, a tumor may develop and more extensive procedures may be
required for removal.
Advantages to Early Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Removing impacted wisdom teeth early is usually a less involved
procedure than waiting until complications and pain develop. It is
best to remove the teeth before the roots are fully formed. As you
age, the roots will thicken and become more firmly anchored to the
jawbone. If you wait until your wisdom teeth cause you trouble,
chances of risks and complications are higher, and recovery may not
proceed as smoothly as when they are removed electively.
All extractions are performed under anesthesia that is appropriate
for the patient in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. We utilize
state of the art monitoring equipment and anesthesia techniques:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen
- Intravenous Sedation
- General Anesthesia
- State of the Art Monitoring Devices:
- Continuous EKG Monitoring
- Automatic Blood Pressure Device
- Continuous Pulse Monitors
- Continuous Oxygen Monitors
.