The three molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are typically the last four of the 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, and generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top) and bottom) near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that molars emerge at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom.”

In most cases, insufficient space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to emerge properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.

There are several types or degrees of impaction based on the actual depth of the tooth within the jaw:

Soft tissue impaction:

The top of the tooth (crown) has broken through the bone, but the gums (gingiva) cover part or all of the crown and are not properly positioned around the tooth. Because the area is difficult to keep clean, food can become trapped under the gums and cause infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.

Partial bone impaction:

The tooth has partially erupted, but part of the crown remains embedded under the gums and surrounding jaw bone. Again, because the area is difficult to keep clean, infection is common.

Complete bone impaction:

The tooth is completely encased in the jaw bone. This will require more complex removal techniques.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

While not all wisdom teeth require extraction, wisdom teeth extractions are often performed due to an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay, or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If one or more wisdom teeth are impacted and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:

Damage to adjacent teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be negatively affected by the impacted wisdom teeth, leading to tooth decay (cavities), gum disease (periodontal disease), and possible bone loss.
Illness: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding the impacted wisdom teeth.

Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, leading to an infection. Infection can cause significant pain and risk.

Dental crowding: It has been hypothesized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or crooked). This theory is not universally accepted by all dental professionals, and has not been verified by any scientific studies.
Wisdom Tooth Examination

As with any dental procedure, your dentist will first want to perform a thorough examination of your wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital x-rays will be taken so that your dentist can assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if there is a current problem or the potential for any future problems. X-rays can also show additional risk factors, such as decay or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (usually in the mid-teens) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and improve outcomes for patients who need wisdom teeth extraction. Only after a thorough examination can your dentist provide you with the best options for your particular case.

What does wisdom teeth extraction involve?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure, generally performed under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a specially trained dentist in an office surgical suite. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medications (if necessary) to help manage any swelling or discomfort.