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.

 

 

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.

A tooth may be partially impacted, which

means a portion of it has broken through

the gum, or totally impacted and unable

to break through the gum at all.

 

                                                                                                  a.Infection

 

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.
                                                                                                   b. Crowding, damage
Despite the considerable concern regarding

impacted third molars, a recent study sponsored

by the American Association of Oral and Maxillo-

facial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Foundation finds that third molars which have broken

through the tissue and erupted into the mouth in a

normal, upright position may be as prone to disease

as those third molars that remain impacted.

 

 

 

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 

patients as they age.                                                                      c. cysts

                                                                                                     Complications may occur from

                                                                                                     partially impacted teeth (fig. a,
No one can predict when third molar complications                            b.) and totally impacted teeth

will occur, but when they do, the circumstances can                         (fig. c.)

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.

 

        

   12 years                       14 years

  

                

   17 years                        25 years

    Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger,     

 

 

Before surgery, Dr.Homrighausen will discuss

with you what to expect. This is a good time to

ask questions or express your concerns. It is

especially important to let Dr. Homrighausen know

about any illness you have and medications you are taking.

The relative ease with which a wisdom tooth may be

removed depends on several conditions, including the

position of the tooth and root development. Partially

or totally impacted wisdom teeth may require a more

involved surgical procedure.

Most wisdom tooth extractions are performed in the

oral and maxillofacial surgery office under local

anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Dr. Homrighausen will discuss the anesthetic option that

is right for you. 

 

Following surgery, you may experience some swelling

and mild discomfort, which are part of the normal healing

process. Cold compresses may help decrease the swelling,

and medication prescribed by Dr. Homrighausen can help

manage the discomfort. You may be instructed to modify

your diet following surgery and later progress to more normal foods.