Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent teeth to form and move into the mouth. Wisdom teeth will usually emerge at around 16 to 18 years of age and be fully developed by the age of 22 or 23. This was assumed to be the “age of wisdom”, which is where the term “wisdom” teeth originated.

In most cases, the jaws are not large enough to accommodate these teeth and therefore they remain under the gum. In this case, the wisdom teeth have become impacted. The term “impacted” describes a tooth that is not fully exposed in the mouth because it is covered by soft tissue or bone. This is due to an evolutionary trend to the large cranial (brain) size and smaller jaw limiting the space to accommodate the wisdom teeth.

With the help of radiographs (X-Rays), we can frequently predict if the unerupted teeth will be problematic. Surgery is much simpler for younger patients than older patients as roots are not yet fully developed and bone is not as dense. As well, younger patients tend to heal more rapidly. The healing potential is highest prior to the age of thirty.

Partially erupted teeth are considered to be impacted. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth can work their way down to the impacted wisdom teeth, frequently causing infection in the surrounding gums and bone. Repeated soreness around the wisdom teeth is often mistaken as an effort on the part of the wisdom teeth to erupt. This soreness, however, could be a sign of infection. Surrounding bone, tooth roots and adjacent teeth may be harmed if left untreated.

The constant pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can also damage adjacent teeth. You may not feel anything until significant damage has occurred. This pressure may also push other teeth out of line, possibly creating a need for orthodontic treatment.

Even if you have no symptoms now, headaches, earaches, pain in the face, neck, throat and upper and lower teeth can occur if impacted wisdom teeth are not removed. Cysts can also develop around impacted wisdom teeth. The sac or growth follicle that surrounds the developing wisdom teeth may remain when the teeth are impacted. This sac can fill with fluid and become cystic, destroying bone surrounding adjacent molars. In rare instances, if the cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop and more extensive procedures may be required for removal.

ADVANTAGES TO EARLY REMOVAL OF WISDOM TEETH

Removing impacted wisdom teeth early is usually a less involved procedure than waiting until complications and pain develop. It is best to remove the teeth before the roots are fully formed. As you age, the roots will thicken and become more firmly anchored to the jawbone. If you wait until your wisdom teeth cause you trouble, chances of risks and complications are higher, and recovery may not proceed as smoothly as when they are removed electively.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED IN THE REMOVAL OF WISDOM TEETH?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some associated risks with removal of wisdom teeth. Common to all surgical procedures is the risk of bruising, pain, and post-operative swelling. Application of ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours will help prevent these complications. Occasionally, the roots of the wisdom teeth contact are in close proximity to the neurovascular bundle of the mandibular nerve (to the nerve that supplies the lower jaw). During extraction, the nerve may be disturbed resulting in a numbness of the lower lip, tongue or gum tissue on the affected side. Many times, this may be a temporary situation. However, some people never fully recover from this lack of sensation. There is no impairment of motor function (movement.).

Appropriate narcotic and non-narcotic medications may be prescribed to minimize discomfort. The use of intravenous general anaesthesia tends to minimize preoperative and postoperative anxiety which consequently helps decrease post-operative pain. Narcotic medications and anaesthetic agents can impair your reflexes and judgment. It is strongly advised not to make important financial decisions, operate machinery, climb ladders, use power tools, and drive while under the influence of these medications.

ANAESTHESIA

The administration of various medications to provide the patient with a completely pain-free, anxiety-free and comfortable surgical experience. Oral surgery procedures can now be