Wisdom teeth (otherwise known as the third molars) are the rear molars that erupt last, typically around the late teens or early 20s. There are normally two wisdom teeth in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, but some people have fewer than four or even none at all.

 

Wisdom teeth become impacted when the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle to butt against the next-door tooth or the gum. A wisdom tooth that grows on an angle cannot contribute to chewing, which makes it useless and at times painful. It is sometimes recommended that problem wisdom teeth be removed. X-rays taken while the teeth are still erupting can show whether or not they will cause difficulties.

 

Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?

 

In some cases, wisdom teeth can grow healthy, fully erupted and in a position that does not disturb the growth or impact other teeth in the jaw. However, in most cases, that wisdom teeth do not have the proper room to grow properly and therefore can cause problems. Common complications include:

 

• The development of periodontal disease (gum infection) or tooth decay possibly affecting the adjacent second molars as brushing and flossing these teeth becomes difficult

• Wisdom teeth could contribute to movement or crowding of other teeth and may interfere with a person's bite

• Occasionally wisdom teeth develop pathology such as cysts, particularly if they are in place for many years.  

 

When should a wisdom tooth be removed? 

 

If an appropriately qualified health practitioner has advised that to have your wisdom teeth removed, extractions may be best performed sooner rather than later. 

 

Wisdom teeth don’t usually cause any pain until the damage has already been done. Therefore extractions may best be performed sooner rather than later. The roots of wisdom teeth in a teenager are still forming which often makes extraction easier. The procedure may be more complicated if a person waits until later in life when the roots of these molars are completely formed or damage/decay to adjacent teeth occurs.

X-rays taken while the teeth are still erupting can show whether or not they will cause problems. 

The risks of surgery (sensory nerve changes - supplying the lip, chin, teeth, gums and tongue; infection, oral-antral communication) will be covered in your consultation. Sometimes a more specific jaw CT will be arranged so as to better evaluate the anatomy.

 

Dr Vickers will take the time to run through the management options available to you and discuss whether it is best to have your wisdom teeth removed under local anaesthetic in the chair or under general anaesthetic (asleep) in a hospital setting.