Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, several problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients, it is as early as 12 or 13; in others, it may be in the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30.
Some of the possible issues related to not 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 or swallowing.
Cyst Formation
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jawbone that develop due to impacted teeth and slowly expand, destroying adjacent jawbone 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. Many factors 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 jawbone.
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, or decay.
What If I Don’t Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed as a Teenager or Young Adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jawbone denser. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties, or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged, and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower, and the chance of infection may increase.
If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. You will generally heal faster, more predictably, and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
What Happens on the Day Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
Preparation and Anesthesia
- Sedation Options: Most patients opt for sedation to ensure they are unaware of the procedure. During your consultation, we will discuss the anesthesia options best suited for you.
- Anesthesia Administration: All procedures are performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize comfort. Our staff is trained and licensed in various types of anesthesia, using modern monitoring equipment to ensure safety.
- Safety Standards: Our office is regularly inspected by the Board of Dental Examiners to maintain high safety standards.
Procedure and Post-Operative Care
- Duration: The removal of wisdom teeth typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You should expect to be in the office for about 90 minutes in total.
- Accompaniment: Please arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and stay with you for the rest of the day.
- Medication: You will be given medications to minimize pain and swelling post-procedure. A prescription for pain medication may also be provided in advance.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything (except prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours before your surgery. This precaution helps prevent anesthetic complications like nausea and vomiting. Failure to follow this guideline may result in rescheduling your procedure.
During and After the Procedure
- Comfort Measures: Once in the surgical room, we will do everything possible to ensure your comfort. If sedated, an IV will be placed in your left arm for medication delivery, and local anesthesia will be administered.
- Recovery: You will feel sleepy for a significant portion of the day. Local anesthesia will help manage discomfort, allowing you time to travel home and rest.
