What are wisdom teeth?
Typically 4 in number, wisdom teeth or Third molars are the last teeth in each jaw which typically do not have enough space to erupt and get Impacted or Malpositioned and often need to be removed for multiple reasons.
What does Impacted mean?
‘Impacted’ simply means ‘Stuck’. These teeth got stuck as there is often not enough space for them to either come in (they get Impacted) or if they do come in somehow, they are not in the best position to function or be kept clean (Malpositioned)
What age do they typically come in? When should they be removed?
The last teeth to form and erupt, the typical age is mid to late teenage/early twenties. As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
How are they diagnosed?
Typically a panoramic radiograph is done in combination with a clinical exam to determine the position and degree of impaction and further imaging as necessary (Cone Beam CT in select cases)
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Following are the most common reasons to remove Wisdom teeth
- Infection (Pericoronitis)
- Damage to adjacent teeth (infection/damage to second molars)
- Possible Crowding (shifting of adjacent teeth)
- Cyst Formation associated with impacted teeth
What should you as a patient do?
Having successfully and safely removed thousands of Wisdom teeth, Dr. Prakhar Mehrotra has extensive experience in removing Wisdom teeth under IV Sedation/local Anesthesia in the safest possible manner using the latest technology, achieving great results and patient satisfaction. Please contact Dr. Mehrotra using the form below if you have any further questions regarding your wisdom teeth. We look forward to helping you with your Wisdom teeth.
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