What are wisdom teeth?

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes before or after they surface, is often necessary.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become problematic. Whether they have erupted and surfaced or remain impacted below the gum, problems occur when inadequate room exists for wisdom teeth in the mouth. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• pain

• infection in the mouth

• facial swelling

• swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth

Most oral health specialists will recommend an immediate removal of the wisdom teeth, as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. According to the American Academy of General Dentistry, third molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder.

What problems are often associated with impacted third molars?

• dental crowding

• bacteria and plaque build-up

• cysts develop (a fluid filled sac)

• tumor development

• infection

• jaw and gum disease

What is involved in the extraction procedure?

Wisdom tooth extraction surgery involves reflecting the gum tissue that presides over the tooth, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth, and suturing the opening in the gumline.