Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the "Age of Wisdom."
Anthropologists note that the rough diet of early humans resulted in the excessive wear of their teeth. Normal drifting of the teeth to compensate for this wear ensured that space was available for most wisdom teeth to erupt by adolescence. The modern diet, which is much softer, and the popularity of orthodontic tooth straightening procedures produce a fuller dental arch, which quite commonly doesn't leave room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, thereby setting the stage for problems when the final four molars enter the mouth.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and its growth and eruption are prevented by overlying gum, bone or another tooth. There are three type of impactions:
1. Soft Tissue - impaction where part or all the soft tissue is over the wisdom teeth
2. Partial Boney - impaction where part of the bone is over the wisdom teeth
3. Full - impaction where the wisdom teeth is fully embeded in the alveolar bone
How Serious is an Impacted Tooth?
crowding cyst
Impacted and partially impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection.They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots.
More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. As the cyst grows it may hollow out the jaw and permanently damage adjacent teeth, the surrounding bone and nerves. Rarely, if a cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from its walls and a more serious surgical procedure may be required to remove it.
Must the Tooth Come Out if it Hasn't Caused Any Problems Yet?
Not all problems related to third molars are painful or visible. Damage can occur without your being aware of it.
As wisdom teeth grow, their roots become longer, the teeth become more difficult to remove and complications become more likely. In addition, partially or totally impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to cause problems as patients age.
No one can predict when third molar complications will occur, but when they do, the circumstances can be much more painful and the teeth more difficult to treat. It is estimated that about 85% of third molars will eventually need to be removed.
When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It isn't wise to wait until your wisdom teeth start to bother you. In general, earlier removal of wisdom teeth results in a less complicated healing process. The AAOMS/OMSF study strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed by the time the patient is a young adult in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing. The researchers found that older patients may be at greater risk for disease, including periodontitis, in the tissues surrounding the third molars and adjacent teeth. Periodontal infections, such as those observed in this study, may affect your general health.
Typical symptoms associated with impacted teeth are pain, swelling and signs of infection in the surrounding tissues. An impacted tooth has the potential to cause permanent damage to adjacent teeth, gum tissue and supporting bone structure. Impacted teeth are also associated with the development of cysts and tumors that can destroy large portions of the jaw.
Many times impacted wisdom teeth are not treated until symptoms are present; but a recent study conducted by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation indicates that third molars should be removed by the time the patient is a young adult in order to prevent related gum disease or other problems.
Some complicated wisdom teeth extraction cases may be referred to one of our finest Oral Surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in the diagnosis, extraction and management of impacted wisdom teeth.
Call for your appointment (909) 945-2002
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