Detriment of Not Diagnosing and Treating Wisdom Teeth Impactions

Wisdom teeth typically appear in the late-teens or early 20s, and they are the last set of teeth to be developed by the mouth. Wisdom teeth are also known as third-molars, but are largely redundant teeth. Ancestors used wisdom teeth to help with chewing and grinding, but over time their use has faded and for many people they can be troublesome when they do appear.

Many people suffer from impacted wisdom teeth; this occurs when the tooth cannot completely break through the gum tissue, and instead becomes trapped in the gum’s tissue as there is no room for them to properly enter the mouth. Some wisdom teeth may break through the gum tissue at an angle, while others may never emerge at all, causing pain, infection and even facial swelling if not treated.

Not all wisdom teeth require removal. If there is sufficient room in the patient’s mouth to allow the wisdom tooth to fully emerge, they can often be left alone. There may be some minor discomfort, but this is the worst the patient can expect. However, if the tooth impacts, removal is typically recommended.

Many oral surgeons will often elect to remove wisdom teeth altogether if the tooth causes such symptoms to manifest. Leaving the wisdom tooth in the mouth can not only lead to recurring issues, but can provide a good hiding place for food debris and bacteria to gather, and can affect the soft tissue around the opening created by the incoming tooth which can lead to  infection. Also, they can begin to rub against other teeth, leading to occlusion and decay of other teeth.

The procedure to remove an impacted wisdom tooth is more complicated than a normal tooth extraction and requires the skill and knowledge of an experienced oral surgeon to perform the extraction. Most patients choose to undergo the procedure while under sedation.

Recovery after extraction of wisdom teeth takes around a week, with the gum area fully recuperating in around a month. Over-the-counter painkillers can help manage pain associated with the extraction, while antibiotics may also be administered if required.

If in any doubt about the effects of wisdom teeth in the Newmarket area, contact the office of Dr. K. Ford Moore for advice.