Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

By age eighteen, the average adult has thirty-two teeth. The average mouth, however, is made to hold only twenty-eight teeth. This presents a problem!

It can be uncomfortable and even painful when 32 teeth try to squeeze in a mouth with space for only 28. These 4 extra teeth are Third Molars, also called "wisdom teeth." The term "wisdom teeth" arose because these molars generally appear much later than other teeth – at an age when people are hopefully wiser than they were as a child.

Each tooth in the mouth has a specific function. Incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth lie in the front of the mouth, and serve to grasp and bite food. The back teeth, or molars, grind and chew food so that it is suitable for swallowing. Wisdom teeth, however, are often described as a "vestigial trait," or an anatomical structure in an organism which is considered to have lost much or all of its original function through evolution.

Because wisdom teeth are the last to erupt within the mouth, problems often occur because of overcrowding. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they do not erupt properly. They might emerge only partially from the gum, allowing food and bacteria to collect and causing a local infection which could spread to the cheek and neck. They may also grow sideways, pushing against other teeth, or remain impacted, increasing the risk of decay in that tooth, adjacent teeth and surrounding supportive structures. The most serious problem occurs when cysts or tumors form around impacted wisdom teeth and cause the destruction of other teeth or the jaw. Early removal is the best way to avoid these problems.

Wisdom Tooth Consult

A consultation allows us to review an X-ray and to examine your mouth, so that we may evaluate the wisdom teeth and discuss your best treatment options. The consultation appointment also gives us the opportunity to review health considerations which may influence treatment. Consideration of these factors allows us to recommend the safest possible treatment and allows you to prepare appropriately for any necessary period of recovery.

FAQ's about Wisdom Tooth Removal

1. Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Five hundred or more years ago, teeth played a useful function in chewing foods. In those days much more chewing was required, and in an effort to accommodate, the jaws grew somewhat longer. Studies have confirmed that jaws were somewhat longer during that period of time and thus provided additional room for the wisdom teeth. In addition as the teeth wore down, as a result of the coarse nature of the food which was available, the biting surfaces became smaller and allowed more room for the wisdom teeth to drift forward into useful position. Today, because of a shorter jaw and other consequences, 95% of the wisdom teeth today are impacted or imbedded.

2. If I have impacted teeth, why should they be removed?

Teeth that are embedded in the tissue of the jawbone are termed impacted. They are in an abnormal position. The body intended for the wisdom teeth to erupt into the oral cavity and be used for chewing. When there is insufficient room for this to occur, certain problems are often encountered. These problems include infections, damage to the adjacent teeth, and development of cysts. The attempt of the wisdom teeth to move into a useful position may be at least a small factor in the crowding of the front teeth.

3. If my wisdom teeth are not bothering me, when should I have them removed?

First of all, not all problems in our bodies cause symptoms. For example, it is unusual for high blood pressure to cause symptoms, especially in the early phases, however, it can be very destructive to the blood vessels. In the same manner, just because wisdom teeth are not causing pain, does not mean that they are not causing problems. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the roots of the wisdom teeth can grow around a nerve in the lower jaw or into the sinuses. The risk of after-effects increases significantly with age. If the wisdom teeth are impacted when a patient is 14-20 years of age depending on development and other factors, and if it is anticipated that they will require removal in the future, we usually recommend the removal of the teeth as soon thereafter as possible. This will minimize the risk of after affects and most people heal much faster when they are younger.

4. Is the process of removing wisdom teeth painful?

Because of safety of modern techniques and medications, most people elect to have "twilight" anesthesia so they can sleep through the procedure to remove the wisdom teeth. In this case, the removal of wisdom teeth is absolutely painless.

5. What about the after-affects?

Naturally, there is some discomfort during the healing phase, however, patients who follow instructions carefully often have fewer problems. Of course, each individual's case may differ, however, we usually relate the recovery process to an inconvenience that is similar to recovering from a bad cold or the flu.

6. What should I do if I think I have impacted wisdom teeth?

We usually recommend that you first ask the dentist for his/her opinion. If the dentist feels there is a problem or if he/she would like to obtain a second opinion, he/she will frequently suggest that you visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If you do not have a dentist or if you wish to contact our office directly for an appointment, we would be happy to see you on a consultation basis and discuss your situation with you.