Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that come in usually in your mid-teens to early twenties. For some people, they come in just fine and cause no problems. But for many, we remove them if they come in improperly, partially, or not at all, to avoid oral health problems.
Misaligned wisdom teeth can come in horizontally, aiming toward or away from the second molars, or at an angle. It is especially problematic when they crowd existing teeth following expensive orthodontic work – or can damage nerves or surrounding bone.
Impacted wisdom teeth may come in only partially, remaining primarily beneath the gum line or within the jawbone. This can allow bacteria to enter around the tooth to cause painful infections. Partially erupted teeth are also more prone to tooth decay and gum disease because they are hard to care for.
We watch the formation of the wisdom teeth in the X-rays we take of our teenage patients. If there is cause for concern, we may make recommendations to extract them before problems can even develop. Furthermore, it’s easier to remove wisdom teeth in young people before the roots fully form and healing time is faster.
The way we remove wisdom teeth depends on their positioning. We can remove full erupted teeth through the gum the same we would any other tooth. But, if they are impacted or incorrectly positioned, our approach to remove them will vary depending on each individual situation.
If you haven’t removed your wisdom teeth and are experiencing pain that may be related to them, please make an appointment. We will take X-rays to assess your situation and make recommendations as to the best approach to take care of your health and your teeth.