Most people get their third molars during their mid teens to early twenties.  This is a time of life that has been known as the “Age of Wisdom.”   Third molars or “Wisdom Teeth” are the last teeth to form in both the upper and lower jaws.  Healthy and properly positioned wisdom teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth.  However, in most cases the jaws are not large enough to accommodate these teeth, and result in impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth.  Impacted is a term used to refer to a tooth that is still underneath the gum tissue and bone.  Partially impacted is a term used to refer to a tooth that is partially visible through the gum tissue while the rest of the tooth may still be covered with gum tissue.  These conditions may predispose patients to pain, swelling, infections, and cyst formation which could damage adjacent teeth, nerves, and bone.  For these reasons the doctors at Associates for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (A.O.M.S.) recommend extraction of wisdom teeth when the following conditions occur:

Partial Eruption:

A condition which leaves an opening around the tooth where bacteria can enter, often resulting in infection.  Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness may result.

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Completely Impacted with Continued Growth:

A condition which the roots are not fully developed.  As the roots start to develop, the teeth may start to erupt in an unwanted direction.  The resulting continued pressure of eruption can eventually destroy the healthy second molar and push the other healthy teeth out of alignment.

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Cyst Growth:

These conditions often occur around impacted wisdom teeth, and also has been associated with other impacted teeth within the mouth. A fluid-filled sac, or cyst, can form around the impacted tooth.  All teeth develop in sacs deep in the bone.  If the tooth comes through the jaw normally, the sac generally disappears.  However, if the tooth is impacted, the sac can fill with fluid and enlarge to form a cyst and possibly grow unnoticed until obvious facial swelling appears.  The cyst can damage adjacent teeth, jawbone, and nerves.  Left untreated, a tumor can develop in the walls of the cyst and more extensive surgery may be required to treat the patient.

The key to timely extraction of your wisdom teeth is to have X-rays during your teenage years and early twenties.  People during this “Age of Wisdom” should have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.  If removal of wisdom teeth is indicated, the doctors at A.O.M.S. recommend extractions be performed at a younger age when fewer complications usually occur.  At a younger age tooth roots are not fully developed, and the bone is less dense, which generally makes the healing process and recovery a lot quicker and smoother for the patient.

During consultation, you can ask your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon any questions you may have.  The Doctor and Surgery Assistant will review your health history with you and explain what to expect.  If you have an extensive medical history, it may be necessary for you to have further tests done and/or be evaluated by you primary care physician or specialist prior to surgery.  We encourage you to view our video on this page on wisdom teeth, as well as the informed consent video which includes post-operative instructions.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our offices directly.