Wisdom Teeth

The average adult has 32 teeth. Unfortunately, the average mouth may hold only 28. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28. These four other teeth are your “wisdom teeth “ also known as third molars.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are generally the last to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this rarely occurs. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting. They may grow sideways, partially cut through the gum tissue, or even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. These poorly positioned wisdom teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause infection, swelling and pain. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may cause other teeth to shift position. This can adversely affect years of orthodontic treatment. The most serious problem occurs when cysts form around the impacted tooth, resulting in destruction of the jawbone. Early removal of wisdom teeth is recommended to prevent these problems. Most often, the ideal time to perform this surgery is when the patient is in their mid to late teenage years. The procedure is usually performed in our office under an intra-venous anesthetic. Drs. Dachille, Laing and Paladino will review the surgery and answer your questions during the consultation appointment.

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