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.
Oral bacteria can also travel through your bloodstream and lead to infections and illnesses that affect your heart, kidneys and other organs.
In some cases, a cyst or tumor can form around the base of the impacted tooth, which can lead to more serious problems as it hollows out the jaw and damages surrounding nerves, teeth and other parts of your mouth and face.
Generally, wisdom teeth should be surgically removed when there are:
Using an Oral Surgeon For Wisdom Teeth Extraction
| • | 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.
