Wisdom Teeth Extraction - Your Complete Guide

An average adult develops thirty-two teeth by the age of eighteen, each with specific functions. Front teeth, including incisors, canines, and bicuspids, aid in gripping and biting food, while molars grind the food for easy swallowing. The last set of teeth to emerge, third molars or "wisdom teeth," appear during late teens or early twenties, a sign of maturity beyond childhood.

The Challenge of Wisdom Teeth A typical mouth comfortably accommodates 28 teeth. When all 32 adult teeth attempt to fit, overcrowding can lead to various oral health issues.

Dental Issues Caused by Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth may struggle to emerge, growing sideways, partially emerging, or remaining trapped beneath gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe dental problems, including nerve and jaw damage, and misalignment of other teeth.

Potential Problems of Wisdom Teeth Whether emerged or not, third molars can lead to these problems:

1. Misalignment of Jaw and Teeth

2. Tooth Decay due to trapped bacteria and food

3. Infections

4. Pain from impacted teeth

5. Swelling and Stiffness

6. Gum Disease

7. Nerve Damage

8. Cysts and Tumors leading to jawbone damage

9. Damage to Adjacent Teeth

10. Difficulty in Cleaning due to positioning

11. Sinus Pain and Congestion

12. Bite Issues

Preventing Wisdom Teeth Problems Early evaluation and removal, if necessary, can prevent wisdom teeth-related issues.

When to Extract Wisdom Teeth

1. Insufficient Space: Extract if no room for emergence. 2. Misalignment: Extract unerupted wisdom teeth to prevent misalignment. 3. Partially Erupted: Partially erupted teeth breed bacteria, risking decay and infection. 4. Overcrowded Teeth: Wisdom teeth may cause teeth misalignment due to overcrowding.

Treating Impacted Wisdom Teeth Treatment depends on impaction severity and tooth eruption. X-rays help assess impaction extent. If infected, medication may be tried before extraction. The extraction process involves minor gum incision, gripping the tooth with forceps, and stitching the wound.

For more information on wisdom teeth extraction, contact us at Ghotanian Dental Encino.

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