By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth. The most posterior of these teeth, both top and bottom are known as wisdom teeth. They normally erupt into the mouth anywhere from the age of 15 to 21. Unfortunately, most people do not have enough space to allow their wisdom teeth to erupt into a normal position. When they are unable to erupt into a normal position, they are known as “impacted”. All too often impacted wisdom teeth are allowed to remain in the mouth for far longer than is wise, causing patients pain and other problems. A recent study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery concludes that early removal of impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) results in decreased operative and post-operative problems.

One of the most frequently performed oral surgery procedures is surgical removal of third molars. For years general dentists and oral surgeons have researched the proper time and necessity for removal of impacted wisdom teeth. Now a recently completed clinical study of more than 9500 patients, revealed that the optimum time for extraction is between the ages of 12 and 24 years. Results of this study show that as patients become older, there exists an increased chance of surgical morbidity (problems) with reference to lip numbness and dry socket. If teeth continue to develop and remain unerupted, the incidence of post-operative complications rises and becomes more significant and prolonged. The study thus concluded that if indicated, removal of third molars should be completed in teenage years to decrease both operative and post-operative problems.

Wisdom Teeth MiniModule		Wisdom Teeth Presentation
For a brief narrated overview of the wisdom teeth extraction process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about wisdom teeth.		To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth

Any tooth can fail to emerge of fully break through the gum tissue, which is called being impacted. Most of the time this happens to third molars, or wisdom teeth, as many people refer to them. One common problem associated with impacted wisdom teeth is called pericornitis and involves inflammation and infection of the surrounding gum tissue, which can be quite painful. When the crown of an impacted wisdom tooth comes into contact with the root of a neighboring tooth, the result may not only be pain, but a potential for serious damage as well. Impacted teeth may lead to the formation of cysts which, when left untreated, can literally destroy large portions of the jaw.

If impacted wisdom teeth remain in the mouth through a person’s middle age, the bone hardens and roots mature which makes subsequent removal much more difficult and recovery more time consuming. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth left in the mouth past the teen years may cause permanent damage to the gum and supporting bone. That’s why the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons supports the removal of potentially troublesome wisdom teeth, if necessary, in the teens or early 20’s.

Although the surgical removal of impacted and unerupted teeth may be stressful, this aspect is reduced by available pain control techniques. The choice of anesthesia can include local anesthesia, IV sedation or general anesthetics. Hospitalization may be required as determined by dental necessity i.e.: the severity of the surgical procedure and/or the medical and physical status of the patient.

Drs. Jonker, Northrop and Van Wagenen are always available to help you determine the condition of your wisdom teeth and their proper treatment if deemed necessary. They have training and are licensed to provide superior anesthesia management to insure their patients comfort.

If you should be experiencing difficulties with your wisdom teeth or have questions about the condition of your wisdom teeth, have your general dentist or orthodontist refer you or you may call Drs. Jonker, Northrop and Van Wagenen’s office to arrange a consultation appointment at 559-432-4911.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimal safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in anesthesia techniques.