Unfortunately, impacted wisdom teeth don’t always come with clear cut signs or symptoms so diagnosing them is not really a task easily accomplished at home. While the majority of adults will have wisdom teeth that should be removed, you want to consult with your oral surgeon to find out if and when they should be removed.
They are typically easier when removed sometime between the ages of 17-21, although this varies.
Now, while impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, damages other teeth around them or causes other dental problems, you could experience anyone of the following signs:
- Pain in the back of the jaws
- Red or swollen gums in the back of the jaws
- Tender or bleeding gums around the molars
- Facial swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Radiating pain to the temples and head
Again, these aren’t exactly clear signs of impacted wisdom teeth because they could also be associated with a number of other maladies, but if you’re experiencing any of the above, it should certainly be an indication that you should meet with your general dentist or oral surgeon.
The best way to avoid these issues is to maintain good oral hygiene by following a good program of regular brushing and flossing and by visiting your general dentist every six months as recommended.
If you are visiting your dentist every six months, they’re most likely doing regular dental X-rays which will help them spot any problems that might be upcoming, including impacted wisdom teeth.
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In dental terminology, an “impacted” wisdom tooth refers to a 3rd molar tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position in the very back of the mouth. This failure to erupt properly into its expected position could occur for various reasons.
First, it could occur because there just isn’t enough room in the person’s jaw to accommodate the tooth. It could also occur because the tooth’s path could be obstructed by other teeth or possibly because the angle at which the tooth is erupting is incorrect.
According to studies that evaluate the rate of impacted wisdom teeth for those ages 17 to 30 years, the likelihood of having at least one impacted third molar is somewhere between 65 to 72%. As you can see, this is an incredibly high number of incidents, which is further argument for the importance of having your wisdom teeth removed.
To learn more about the various options for having your impacted wisdom teeth removed in a safe, caring atmosphere contact our office directly at (704) 542-9600.
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Why is wisdom teeth removal necessary? While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, for many they can be the cause of pain or discomfort. Most people’s mouth cannot accommodate all 32 teeth and because the third molars, commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’, are the last to appear there is often not enough room for the size and shape of these teeth.
These wisdom teeth typically show up between ages 17-21 and in most cases are removed for any of the following reasons:
- They are erupting into an abnormal position, such as tilted, sideways or twisted.
- They are trapped below the gum line due to lack of space.
- Pericoronitis has developed which is an infection resulting from trapped food, plaque and bacteria.
- The way the teeth bite together has changed, causing misalignment of the jaws.
- Because they are more difficult to reach, proper hygiene is difficult and can result in tooth decay of the erupted wisdom teeth.
Even though your regular dentist can give you an indication if you or a loved one should have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s best to consult with an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon as we are specially trained to deal with all things wisdom teeth.
Feel free to contact my office at (704) 542-9600 to schedule a consultation and to get all your questions about wisdom teeth answered.
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A frequent question that I get a lot is when is the best time for removal of third molars? First of all it needs to be assessed if the third molars indeed need to be removed.
The main reasons for removal of wisdom teeth is:
- Lack of space for proper eruption and function
- Decay
- Infection
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Cyst and tumor association
Most people will not accommodate 32 teeth in their mouth. This will not stop the wisdom teeth or the third molars from trying to come into the mouth.
When there is limited space for these teeth, they will get stuck underneath the bone and gums. This will put the tooth in a position that is difficult to properly maintain and clean.
If the crown of the tooth is not completely out of the gums, the tooth is labeled as impacted. This can vary in degree and angulation from partially impacted to completely submerged in bone.
Back to the original question. When is the best time to take out third molars?
Usually when the root of the tooth is developed about 1/3 to ½ of it length. This will avoid the roots getting close to vital structures such as lower jaw nerve and sinus cavity.
This varies from individual to individual and also is generally different between sexes. Girls mature faster than boys. A good age to be evaluated is around 15 for girls and 16 for boys.
Every patient should be examined by an experienced oral surgeon. At the time, x-rays will also be needed to evaluate the position and the development of the third molars. At that time the oral surgeon can determine if the third molars need to be removed and when is the optimal time for that.
Filed under Oral Surgery, Wisdom Teeth Removal by DrMarashi
