Wisdom Teeth

It is often difficult for families to find the time to schedule their children not only for the surgery, but the consult as well. It is for this reason that we offer same day consult/surgery appointments for wisdom teeth. We think this will alleviate some of the stress and anxiety families experience when trying to make an appointment.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can erupt into normal occlusion, but more often, they require removal. Wisdom teeth present potential problems when they are improperly positioned. They may only partially erupt through the gums or be entrapped completely within the soft tissue and/or the jawbone. Teeth that remain partially or completely entrapped within the soft tissue or jawbone are termed “impacted”.

Factors that determine whether or not wisdom teeth must be removed include jaw size, crowding, proper occlusion, and impaction. Often, radiographs taken at regular dental cleaning appointments will show when wisdom teeth extraction is recommended.

Placement of platelet rich fibrin after tooth extractions can of improve soft tissue healing and positively influencing bone regeneration. Learn More

An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from erupting. Impacted wisdom teeth that are blocked from coming in properly:

• May instead come in at an angle, pushing against the molars and causing overcrowding.
• May not erupt fully, remaining instead either partially or fully below the gum line.
• May cause bacteria to become trapped beneath the gum and lead to infection and gum disease.

Wisdom teeth extraction is generally an effective means of preventing crowding of the teeth, impaction of wisdom teeth, red, swollen, or painful gums caused by a partially erupted wisdom tooth, and gum disease and tooth decay.