Between the ages of 16-25, we will talk to you about your wisdom teeth! 

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that will appear in the very back of each area of your mouth: Upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. In a few patients, enough space exists for these molars to move into place. However it is most common that there will not be room for them or they will not grow in correctly. Wisdom teeth can lay entirely on their sides or lean at various angles into the neighboring teeth.

Another issue that can arise is that the teeth have emerged from the gums, but they are difficult to reach with a tooth brush. This increases risk of cavities and gum disease.

Wisdom teeth causing pain or infection gives a clear warning sign that treatment needs consideration. Although, some problems can also slowly develop without your awareness.  If you’re an adult with wisdom teeth, be sure they’re evaluated periodically for changes using a panoramic x-ray.

If wisdom teeth removal is advised, we can discuss options with you.  Various forms of sedation offer anxiety-reduction that puts this minor surgical procedure within reach of every patient that needs it.

When evaluating wisdom teeth, the dentist considers four general classifications. A panoramic x-ray is a vital tool for determining the classification of each wisdom tooth.  

It’s possible one patient may display one of each type or a few of the same type.

• Erupted:  This simply means the tooth moved through the surface of the gums just like your other teeth.  Eruption generally doesn’t occur before age 16, but can happen at nearly any age after that. The tooth may have adequate space for its position.

• Soft Tissue Impaction/Partially Erupted:  The top of the tooth has emerged from the bone, although excessive gum tissue usually covers it. Food trapped in the gum flap can lead to decay and infection.

• Partial Bony Impaction:  The majority of the tooth sits below the jawbone level, although it’s beginning to emerge. A large flap of gum lies over this tooth and leaves it prone to infection and decay as mouth bacteria slip into the area.

• Complete Bony Impaction: In this case, the tooth has not broken the surface and remains entirely encased in the bone.  While the risk of infection is low, a small percentage of these will form a cyst in the jaw.  This hollow space can expand and result in fracture of the jaw.