Dental Procedures
Other Services
Oral Surgery
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly
positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When
the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted
(unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only
part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:
- Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter
around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and
general illness can result.
- There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
- A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone
or tooth roots.
Patients should ask the dentist about the health and positioning of their wisdom
teeth. The dentist may make a recommendation for removal or send the patient to
an oral surgeon for further evaluation.
Back To Oral Surgery