Wisdom teeth
Third molars or wisdom teeth generally erupt into the mouth in the late teens or early twenties. They are the last teeth to erupt into the mouth, and often can cause problems at the time of eruption, or in the future.
Occasionally wisdom teeth do not erupt into the mouth and remain in the jaw bone or just under the soft tissue of the gums. Their eruption may be impeded by lack of space in the dental arch, by the overlying bone or by malpositioned teeth.
When third molars remain impacted or malposed they often cause serious problems including pain, inflammation, infections, development of cysts, and tumors, development of decay in adjacent teeth, or resorption of roots of adjacent teeth. They also contribute to the development of periodontal disease in adjacent teeth, and often make it difficult to clean adjacent teeth. They can also move other teeth out of correct position.
Because wisdom teeth often cause problems it is usually recommended to have them extracted as a young adult. This will promote optimal healing, and reduce complications seen in older individuals.
The position of the wisdom tooth will often dictate the ease at which the tooth is removed. If the wisdom tooth is impacted, or the roots are fully developed the surgery may be more involved.
In our office, wisdom teeth may be removed under local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide, (“laughing gas”) and local anesthetic, with IV sedation or with general anesthesia. As you consult with Dr. Stosich you will be able to decide which option is best for you.