"Impacted Wisdom Teeth": What is the recommended treatment?

Impacted "Wisdom Teeth"

by: Abhishek Mogre DMD, Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

      Shoreline Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants

"Wisdom teeth" or Third Molars are the last teeth to develop and erupt in our jaws. Since these teeth usually erupt around the age of 16-20, commonly known as the "Age of Wisdom", these teeth are called "Wisdom teeth". In majority of patients, Wisdom teeth fail to erupt completely, which is also commonly known as an "Impacted Wisdom Tooth". 

Wisdom teeth are developing and the Jaw Bone has lack of room.

The common reason for Wisdom Teeth to become "Impacted" or fail to erupt, is lack of room in the jaw to accommodate them in a normal position. As a result of this, Impacted Wisdom teeth can become tilted in position, and encroach on the surrounding important structures such as neighboring teeth, nerves (in lower jaw) or sinuses (in upper jaw).

Wisdom Teeth are seen growing sideways.

When Impacted Wisdom teeth grow against the second molars, they may cause deep pocketing in the gums of the second molar, known as a Periodontal Pocket. A deep periodontal pocket on a functional second molar can compromise the health of the molar. 

Impacted Wisdom teeth can also lead to development of benign Cysts or Tumors, later in life. Such Cysts and Tumors grow from the "Follicle" or the nourishment sac around these Impacted Wisdom teeth. 

Wisdom teeth may also need to be removed, prior to braces or "Orthodontic Treatment" to create more room in the jaw to correct crowding of teeth. 

If the Wisdom Teeth are erupted in a normal functional position, they do not need routine extraction. Patients do have to make a conscious effort to brush and floss around those erupted wisdom teeth, as they do in all their other teeth. Failure to maintain adequate oral care, results in Dental Caries or Decay on these Wisdom teeth. 

Wisdom teeth location in the mouth, can sometimes make it difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss, and in such a scenario, Dentists may recommend their removal to prevent an infection or pain developing from a carious or decayed wisdom tooth. 

Wisdom Teeth Surgery, if necessary, is performed by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. The Oral Surgeon would perform a thorough clinical exam, including reviewing patients health history, check periodontal pocketing around these teeth, and evaluate X rays during a Consultation visit. Oral Surgeon will then recommend and discuss the Anesthesia options such as Local Anesthesia vs In Office General Anesthesia or "Sedation" for the surgery. 

Impacted Wisdom teeth surgery, being a difficult surgical procedure, is usually performed under IV anesthesia/Sedation by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, undergo extensive Anesthesia, Medicine and General Surgery training in their residency, and participate in Anesthesia training along side Anesthesia Residents with direct supervision by a Staff Anesthesiologist. This extensive training, provides the Oral Surgeon with an expertise to perform simultaneous Surgery and administer Anesthesia for in office Oral Surgery procedures. 

Extraction of wisdom teeth are performed in one surgical appointment, unless otherwise recommended and approved by your Oral Surgeon. This prevents, multiple times of recovery period and multiple administrations of anesthesia. 

Patients usually will leave the office with an Ice pack. Recovery is typically 48-72 hours. Patients are instructed to be on a soft diet for comfort reasons, and are also advised to keep good oral hygiene.

Patient return for a follow up visit as deemed appropriate by the Oral Surgeon.

For more information, visit our website www.shorelineoralsurgery.com