Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge, and typically do so between the ages of 17-21, though they may come in earlier or later in some cases. It is often recommended that wisdom teeth extracted to avoid future issues that can occur if left in, such as overcrowding or increased risk of developing periodontal disease. The process of extracting wisdom teeth is relatively straightforward and can be completed in one dental visit; however, if the wisdom tooth becomes impacted (does not emerge from the gums), the procedure will be slightly more invasive and recovery time will take longer.

To remove an impacted wisdom tooth, you will first be given a local anesthetic or sedation to minimize discomfort. Next, an incision is made in your gums, and any bone blocking the impacted tooth root is removed. Following this, the tooth is removed and the area is stitched shut. It is common to experience some pain, bleeding, and swelling for a few days following this procedure, but if you follow after-care instructions closely, these issues should go away.

Although there is nothing you can do to prevent a wisdom tooth from becoming impacted, you can schedule regular dental exams every six months. These exams are important for several reasons. In addition to performing a professional cleaning on your teeth and gums, these exams are also an opportunity for your dentist or periodontist to evaluate your oral health and monitor your wisdom teeth to determine if any have become impacted. By addressing this issue early, you can prevent other complications from developing in the future.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Removing Asymptomatic Wisdom Teeth

If your wisdom tooth has become impacted, it is important to schedule an appointment to have the tooth removed to avoid developing other issues; however, one of the most common questions people ask about wisdom teeth is, “Do they need to be taken out if I don’t have any problems or symptoms?”

There are certain benefits and drawbacks to having your wisdom teeth removed. To help you decide whether you are a good candidate for having wisdom teeth removed, it may be helpful to consider the following benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of removing wisdom teeth include:

• Early removal is easier when the roots are not fully developed
• Reduced risk of teeth becoming crooked
• Reduced risk of cysts
• Reduced risk of gum disease
• Reduced risk of tooth decay
• Reduced risk of infection

Drawbacks of removing wisdom teeth include:

• May be an unnecessary procedure
• Risk of bleeding, infection, or surgical complications
• Requires administration of anesthesia
• Cost
• Invasive procedure that requires a recovery period

In addition to weighing these benefits and drawbacks, consult with your dentist or periodontist about whether removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth is right for you. They can provide you with professional insight into the current state of your wisdom teeth and whether removal is necessary. This consultation will also provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the wisdom tooth procedure, such as the cost involved, procedural steps, and what the recovery process is like.