Wisdom Teeth Removal

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

Although most people grow and develop 32 adult teeth, the average jaw size of an adult mouth can normally accommodate only 28 teeth. Because the “wisdom teeth” are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth, inadequate space can prevent their eruption into a proper position for cleaning and chewing. This lack of adequate space is termed, impaction.

Why should I remove my wisdom teeth?

The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

These poorly positioned and impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems. First. when they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. Second, the pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. Finally, the most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination for Evaluation of Wisdom Teeth

During the consultation, an oral examination and panoramic x-ray of the mouth would aide Brent J. Porter, D.D.S. your Santa Cruz Pediatric Dentist, in evaluating the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if your child can benefit from wisdom tooth removal. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment of wisdom teeth results in a superior outcome for the patient.

For more information please contact the office of Brent J. Porter D.D.S., Santa Cruz Children’s Dentist (831) 459-9802