Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are your four permanent adult teeth found on the top and bottom of the rear corners of your mouth. These are the last permanent teeth to develop in your mouth and typically crop up between the ages of 15 and 25 years. Some people never develop wisdom teeth, while others have them grow in without any problems at all. However, many patients will need them to be taken out.
If wisdom teeth do not have the proper space to grow, extraction will likely be necessary. Untreated wisdom teeth commonly cause a number of dental issues such as oral infections, cavities, periodontal disease, and root resorption. If these disease processes go untreated, not only are the wisdom teeth compromised, but the neighboring second molar can also develop problems. Besides having wisdom teeth extracted to improve oral hygiene, sometimes extractions are required as part of your orthodontist’s treatment. Wisdom teeth are often immediately behind the second molar, and their presence can block the movement or rotation of your other teeth preventing you from getting a perfect smile. While these are the most common reasons to have your wisdom teeth extracted, in rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause tumors or cysts.
The ideal time to have your wisdom teeth extracted is in your mid- to late teenage years. Advantages of having them extracted while you are young are faster recovery, the roots have not had an opportunity to form any curves or hooks that anchor the tooth into your bone, the jaw bone is still flexible, and the bone heals significantly better after the tooth is extracted. Essentially we are taking advantage of the benefits of healing while you are young. By waiting until the teeth have fully grown in, the risks associated with wisdom tooth removal and the recovery time for the procedure tends to increase significantly.
About The Procedure
Wisdom tooth extraction procedures are generally performed in the office, often with sedation for your comfort. Your panorex x-ray will serve as the road map for your surgery, providing us with important details such as the location, angulation, and anatomy of your wisdom teeth and surrounding structures like your sinuses and nerves. We use local anesthetic to numb the area and then use surgical instruments to remove the tooth from its socket. Often, the socket is left open (without stitches) to allow for easier cleansing of the extraction site. The surgery often takes approximately one hour, however, more time may be needed for more complex cases. This type of oral surgery almost always allows you to go home the same day, often called an outpatient procedure. We will provide all the information you need to have a smooth procedure and a quick recovery! Dr. Raju will give you clear directions to follow as you heal from the surgery to make it as painless as possible.