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.
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.
