Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent teeth to form and move into the mouth. Wisdom teeth will usually emerge at around 16 to 18 years of age and be fully developed by the age of 22 or 23.
This was assumed to be the "age of wisdom", which is where the term wisdom teeth originated.
There are usually four wisdom teeth, one in each rear corner of the mouth. However not everyone has all four and a lucky few never develop any 3rd molars.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Problems Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Usually by late adolescence or early adulthood the tooth attempts to erupt through the gum tissue. But often because of lack of space or the position of the tooth the wisdom tooth becomes partially or completely impacted (imbedded).
Partially erupted teeth are considered to be impacted. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth can work their way down to the impacted wisdom teeth, frequently causing infection in the gum around the crown of the tooth.
Repeated soreness around the wisdom teeth is often mistaken as an effort of the wisdom teeth to erupt. This soreness, however, could be a sign of infection resulting in severe pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and even several illnesses.
The constant pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can also damage adjacent teeth. You may not feel anything until significant damage has occurred.
Even if you have no symptoms now, headaches, ear aches, pain in the face, neck, throat and upper and lower teeth can occur if impacted wisdom teeth are not removed.
Cysts can also develop around impacted wisdom teeth. The sac or growth follicle that surrounds the developing wisdom teeth may remain when the teeth are impacted. This sac can fill with fluid and become cystic, destroying bone surrounding adjacent molars.
In rare instances, if the cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop and more extensive procedures may be required for removal.
Advantages to Early Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Removing impacted wisdom teeth early is usually a less involved procedure than waiting until complications and pain develop. It is best to remove the teeth before the roots are fully formed.
As you age, the roots will thicken and become more firmly anchored to the jawbone. If you wait until your wisdom teeth cause you trouble, chances of risks and complications are higher, and recovery may not proceed as smoothly.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
All extractions are performed under anesthesia that is appropriate for the patient in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
We utilize state of the art anesthesia techniques such as:
· Local anesthesia
· Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen
· Intravenous Sedation
· General Anesthesia
As well as the most up to date monitoring equipment:
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Continuous EKG Monitoring
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Automatic Blood Pressure Monitoring Device
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Continuous Pulse Monitors
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Continuous Oxygen Monitors
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Information Provided by the Office of Dr. Carlton J. Floyd, DDS, MS, PC