Wisdom Teeth Removal – Why is it Necessary?

Third molars, or wisdom teeth, normally appear in young adults between the ages of 17 and 25. Removal is often necessary when wisdom teeth become impacted due to overcrowding in the mouth, which prevents the wisdom teeth from properly erupting through the gum. An impacted wisdom tooth may grow at the wrong angle because of the lack of room within the mouth to grow correctly.

Problems resulting from impacted wisdom teeth:

  • Positioning of wisdom teeth significantly impedes proper hygiene, leading to increased dental caries (cavities, infection, etc.) and periodontal disease
  • If the wisdom tooth is partially erupted, an infection could occur as bacteria builds up around the opening of the tooth
  • Pain, stiffness, swelling, and even sickness could occur as a result of an infection surrounding a partially-erupted impacted tooth
  • Damage to the adjacent tooth and unwanted realignment of other teeth could occur due to eruption of wisdom tooth
  • A cyst or tumor could begin to grow in the vicinity of the impacted tooth, destroying the jawbone and surrounding

Early removal of wisdom teeth is recommended:

  • Issues resulting from impacted wisdom teeth are often completely resolved with removal surgery
  • Removal of wisdom teeth decreases risk of gum disease and cavities
  • Young adults often experience a decreased risk pertaining to the surgical procedure
  • Wisdom teeth that are not causing complications today do not necessarily indicate the absence of complications in the future

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal

Athens Oral Surgery Center will use the appropriate form of anesthesia depending on the position of the impacted tooth and the needs of the patient.

Procedure:

  • Expose the tooth and bone through a small incision in the gum
  • Clear any bone that may prevent access to the impacted tooth
  • Segment tooth if necessary for easier removal
  • Extract impacted tooth
  • Ensure that location of removed tooth is free of any bone or tooth debris
  • Suture the incision if necessary
  • Use gauze to promote blood clot formation and stop bleeding