Wisdom Teeth Extraction
They come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the "age of wisdom."
The average adult has 32 teeth by the age of 18. However, the average mouth can only accommodate 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth.
Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they grow in completely and are functional, painless, cavity-free, disease-free and in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
When a tooth doesn't fully grow in, it's "impacted"—meaning it is usually unable to break through the gums because there isn't enough room. 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth can damage neighboring teeth or become infected. Because it's in an area that's hard to clean, it can also invite bacteria that leads to gum disease.
Oral bacteria can also travel through your bloodstream and lead to infections and illnesses that affect your heart, kidneys and other organs.
Using an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Generally, wisdom teeth should be surgically removed when there are:
| • | Infections and/or periodontal (gum) disease |
| • | Cavities that can't be restored |
| • | Cysts, tumors or other pathologies |
| • | Damage to neighboring teeth |
To learn more about wisdom teeth, please visit the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
