Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of back molars that tend to appear after adolescence. The other sets of molars are called first molars, or six-year molars because they erupt around age six, and second molars, or twelve-year molars because they erupt around age twelve. Wisdom teeth get their name due to erupting later in life when a person is more “wise”— thus the name “wisdom teeth”.
Eruption of wisdom teeth is variable due to development and length of the jaw bone. Their emergence can be painful, resulting in impacted wisdom teeth if jaw bone length is inadequate. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth can negatively impact tooth alignment and contribute to decay on the back of the second molar or the wisdom tooth itself. Wisdom teeth removal is called for in approximately 85% of dental cases due to probability of negative impacts to oral health and your smile.
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Poor alignment and impaction are the two main reasons wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary. When the final set of molars erupts into the
mouth at an angle, it sometimes pushes on nearby straight teeth, altering their alignment. This is painful and can cause damage to neighboring teeth through resorption of the hard tissue of the second molar, or causing decay to develop between the improperly aligned second and third molars.
Impacted wisdom teeth result when the last set of molars develop but fail to erupt due to angle or lack of space. If they are completely trapped in bone they can be more prone to cyst formation (most common location of dentigerous cysts is the mandibular third molar area). Wisdom teeth that partially erupt into the mouth can create a passageway for bacteria to get into the soft tissue, which results in a painful infection known as pericoronitis.
What Are Common Complications Associated with Wisdom Teeth?
In an effort to avoid the pain and complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth and tooth misalignment, Bentonville dentists Dr. K.C. Dietz and Dr. Kaitlin Dietz will assess and monitor you and your family’s wisdom tooth needs. Typically, the earlier the need for wisdom teeth removal is identified, the better; early removal can prevent damage to neighboring healthy teeth, bone, gum tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
FAQ
Q: “Does everyone need to get their wisdom teeth removed?”
A: Some have the fortune of avoiding problems such as impacted wisdom teeth altogether, but in the worst cases, gum infections, jawbone cysts, and bone loss can occur. Therefore, Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait often recommend wisdom teeth removal.
Q: “At what age should I have my wisdom teeth removed?”
A: Though there is no “right” age to have your wisdom teeth removed, the procedure itself, risk of complications, and healing are much easier at a younger age. Wisdom teeth extraction is typically recommended between the ages of 15 and 24, depending on tooth development and position. Removal may become necessary if Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait see potential for complications should the teeth begin to grow in.
Q: “Is wisdom teeth removal painful?”
A: At Bright Ridge Dental, we offer a multitude of comfortable options that make the removal of your wisdom teeth a calm and relaxing experience. Dr. K.C. Dietz removes the teeth skillfully and gently, usually under moderate conscious IV sedation. Patients report no recollection of the procedure and our follow-up ensures a speedy recovery.
To learn more about our wisdom teeth removal services or to schedule a consultation, call Bright Ridge Dental today at (479) 715-4277.
