top of page
wisdom teeth xray

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth, typically emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood. For many people, wisdom teeth can cause problems, such as impaction, infection, or misalignment, due to limited space in the mouth. As a result, they are often removed to prevent complications. However, not everyone experiences issues with their wisdom teeth, and some people may keep them without any problems. Want some advice from one of our dentists? Contact us today!

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to develop and typically start developing at the age of 9 and emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.

 

Here's some detailed information about them:

 

Development and Location

  • Number and Position: Most adults have four wisdom teeth, located at the back of the mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom.

  • Eruption: These teeth are the last to erupt in the dental arch.

​

Common Issues

  • Impaction:

    • Definition: Wisdom teeth often become impacted because they do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally.

    • Types: Impacted wisdom teeth can be fully impacted (completely trapped within the jawbone) or partially impacted (where a part of the tooth has broken through the gum).

  • Misalignment:

    • Crowding: As wisdom teeth try to come in, they can push other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and shifting of teeth.

    • Angulation: They might grow at various angles, sometimes horizontally, leading to potential damage to adjacent teeth.

  • Infection and Decay:

    • Pericoronitis: Partial eruption can create a flap of gum tissue over the tooth, where food and bacteria can get trapped, leading to infection.

    • Cavities: Difficulty cleaning these teeth due to their location can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

accent 1

Symptoms of Problems

  • Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth.

  • Swelling and Redness: Around the wisdom teeth area.

  • Jaw Stiffness: Difficulty opening the mouth.

  • Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

 

Treatment and Management

 

Monitoring: Regular dental check-ups and X-rays to monitor the development and position of wisdom teeth.

Extraction

  1. Indications: Impacted wisdom teeth, infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth often necessitate removal.

  2. Procedure: Usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

 

Post-Extraction Care

  • Recovery: Includes rest, ice packs to reduce swelling, pain management with prescribed medication, and following specific dietary recommendations.

  • Complications: Potential complications include dry socket, infection, and nerve damage.

bottom of page