Young people enjoy the benefit of having wisdom teeth roots that are shorter in size as compared to older adults. Wisdom tooth extraction is easier when working with teens and younger adults than with older people. When planning the removal of wisdom teeth, one important consideration is the position of the mandibular nerve in relation to the roots of the wisdom teeth. This will depend on your regular dentist’s evaluation. Your wisdom teeth may be removed by general dentist or you may be referred to an oral surgeon. It is stuck in the jaw bone and is often in a position (not upright) which makes it difficult to remove. Again, it will be difficult to clean.Ĭomplete Bony Impaction – The tooth has no space to erupt.
Partial Bony Impaction – The tooth can partially erupt, but it cannot serve its function as a tooth because it is only partially uncovered. Soft Tissue Impaction –This is inadequate room for the gums to recede so that the tooth can be adequately cleaned. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection which results in swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. Poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. Early removal can also avoid future problems and decrease surgical risk involved with the wisdom teeth removal procedure. Removal of the impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these issues. The most serious need for wisdom teeth removal is when tumors or cysts form around impacted wisdom teeth and destroy the jawbone and other healthy teeth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Wisdom teeth removal may also be necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. Unless you have an active problem when you see the dentist, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood.
This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. Ultimately, removing wisdom teeth in this way is designed to protect healthy, strong and correctly aligned surrounding teeth. This is a proactive approach to ensuring that an impacted wisdom tooth, infections or misalignments do not occur. In some situations, oral surgeons will recommend that patients have their wisdom teeth extracted before problems ever develop. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. In some cases, molars may not erupt until the early 20s. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically erupt during the late teen years. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Studies show that early prediction and intervention leads to improved outcomes for the patient. After reviewing your X-Rays, your dentist may determine whether the growth of your wisdom teeth is normal or if they would be causing any trouble in future. Your wisdom tooth consultation begins with an oral examination and a set of X-rays are taken. Most insurances cover the cost for wisdom teeth extractions.