The truth is, most patients simply do not have enough room in the mouth to accommodate the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. They are the last teeth in the mouth to erupt — usually in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth that have erupted into the mouth are at an increased risk of complications such as impaction, infection, pain, dental disease, and more. Treating these complications can result in extensive or costly procedures — not to mention, it can be uncomfortable!
Wisdom teeth often grow in sideways due to the lack of available space in the mouth. They can also damage nearby teeth, cause infections, or become trapped beneath the gums. The most common oral health issues that are caused by wisdom teeth are
- Tooth Damage. Wisdom teeth that grow in too close and crowd the second molars can damage adjacent roots.
- Infections. Bacteria can develop and cause infection if a wisdom tooth is partially or completely stuck beneath the gums.
- Cysts and Tumors. Severe infections are known to cause cysts, or even tumors, to form around your wisdom teeth. If not treated promptly, damage to the surrounding bone tissue can occur.
- Shifting of Teeth. A wisdom tooth can push the surrounding teeth to another location as it erupts through the gums, which can crowd the teeth and affect the alignment of the bite.
Wisdom teeth are recommended for extraction if they are determined to pose a threat to a patient’s oral or overall health. For most patients, extraction is recommended sometime during the teenage years. During regular checkups, your dentist can monitor the development of the wisdom teeth and determine the appropriate time to refer you to us for further treatment. If you would like to see Dr. Brar for a consultation to discuss your child’s wisdom teeth, please contact our front office to schedule an appointment.
What does removal require?
The extraction process of your child’s wisdom teeth depends on several factors, such as the position of the tooth (or teeth) and the development of the root(s). If the wisdom tooth has already erupted through the gums completely, the process is identical to any other tooth extraction. Removing a tooth that is still beneath the gums is a slightly more involved process. Your oral surgeon will make an incision into the gums and remove any bone that is in front of the tooth. The tooth is cut and extracted in sections to minimize the amount of bone removed.
Local anesthesia or sedation may be used with wisdom teeth removal. The options for anesthesia will be discussed during your consultation appointment.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery
If you or your child need your wisdom teeth extracted, or if you would like more information about this procedure, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brar. We are committed to providing the best care and want each patient to feel safe, comfortable, and informed ahead of treatment. Dr. Brar will evaluate your oral health and condition and provide a customized treatment plan just for you. We look forward to caring for you and your family at North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery.