Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Your wisdom teeth are generally the third and final molars to erupt (come through the surface of your gums). Most people get their wisdom teeth between ages 17 and 25. They are the teeth that are the furthest back in your mouth near the entrance to your throat.
Most people don’t have enough space for these teeth to erupt and be functional. This can cause the teeth to become impacted or stuck in a harmful position. If these teeth are left where they are, they could cause damage to other teeth, cysts or even tumors.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Impaction
We classify wisdom teeth impaction in three ways based on where the teeth are located in your jaw.
-
Soft tissue impaction: this is when the teeth are able to erupt somewhat. The teeth make it through your jawbone but are still covered in gums to some extent. This partial eruption makes the area very challenging to clean, which can allow food and debris to get trapped in the gums. You can experience decay, infection and swelling if the wisdom teeth stay in this state.
-
Partial bony impaction: this occurs when less of the tooth erupts. Part of the crown makes it through your jawbone and perhaps even some of your gums but is not able to fully erupt. Because it’s still impacted in the jawbone and gums, it is at risk of infection and decay.
-
Complete bony impaction: this is the most severe form of impaction as the tooth never erupts even through the jawbone. Extracting these teeth is more complex and might take longer to heal from.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth extraction is generally a preventative measure to ensure you don’t suffer injury to your healthy teeth, gums or bone due to impacted wisdom teeth. Ideally, your dentist will see that your wisdom teeth are impacted long before they cause you pain, swelling or infection.
Here are some common reasons your dentist might recommend wisdom teeth extractions.
-
Potential damage to adjacent teeth: the teeth that sit in front of your wisdom teeth can suffer cavities, gum disease or jawbone loss from impacted wisdom teeth.
-
Disease: near impacted wisdom teeth, you can suffer from cysts and tumors. This is an uncommon side effect but can still happen and cause severe pain and discomfort.
-
Infection: impacted wisdom teeth allow bacteria and debris to get trapped in your gum tissue. If left untreated, this infection can cause serious damage to your oral health.
-
Crowding and tooth alignment issues: wisdom teeth can put pressure on nearby teeth if you don’t have space for them. This can make your existing teeth crooked if your wisdom teeth are not extracted.
How Do Dentists Exam Wisdom Teeth?
Dentists regularly review the status of wisdom teeth for young adults during regular X-rays. If they see something concerning, they might evaluate the teeth further through a panoramic X-ray. From these scans, we’ll be able to see if your wisdom teeth present a hazard for you and your nearby teeth.
The earlier we can catch these issues, the better, which is a good reason for teens and young adults to visit our office for regular exams and cleanings.
What’s the Process for Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common and simple procedure. Depending on the severity of your teeth’s impaction, you’ll go under local or general anesthesia, or intravenous sedation.
Regardless of the anesthesia we administer, you do not need to plan to stay overnight. You’ll head home shortly after your extraction to rest and heal. Dr. Guller will provide post-operative instructions based on the type of extraction our office performs. These instructions will include information on caring for the area and reducing discomfort and swelling.
Young adults and teens who have not had their wisdom teeth assessed yet should schedule a dental exam and cleaning with our office. This will ensure your wisdom teeth do not cause serious damage to your oral health.
"I have been a patient of Pascack Dental Arts for ten years. Having not just routine care but caps and four implants for which I am today happy, being able to eliminate the need of a denture. My experience with Pascack Dental Arts has been excellent!"
Robert Von Bargen
"Anyone who hates the Dentist should come here! Everyone is professional and excellent... Love, love, love them. NO PAIN!! I am a very difficult patient!!"
Heather Cozine
"I was indeed satisfied and delighted with my experience... I learned things I never knew in 50 years of having teeth! Thank you!"
Nancy Mapes
"A little over three years ago, my older daughter Carolyn, had a bicycle accident. One of her permanent front teeth was actually knocked out. We called the office and they told us to come in immediately. It was about 6 p.m. Everyone was concerned and helpful. Dr.Guller reinserted her tooth. Needless to say, we were very frequent visitors to this office. Everyone knew us and always asked how Carolyn was doing. With everyone’s long-term help, Carolyn’s teeth look great!
Our entire family comes to Pascack Dental Arts. It’s a great place for complete dental care."
Barbara Maskin
“Great visit! My hygienist was fantastic, very thorough and friendly. I look forward to my next visit.”
Tina Guarriello
