Human jaws are not constructed to accommodate wisdom teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth often remain enveloped in gum or bone tissue. As a result, they are also referred to as impacted teeth, but they continuously attempt to erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth pain, pressure, jaw pain and tooth infection. However, in most cases, patients experience no outward symptoms with their wisdom teeth – so patients are often unaware of the damage and major issues that wisdom teeth cause if they are not removed and falsely think that nothing is wrong. Unknowingly to patients, un-erupted or partially erupted wisdom teeth cause decay, resorption, and injury to adjacent teeth. Additionally, aggressive cysts may also form around an impacted wisdom tooth and put the jawbone, nerves, and adjacent teeth at risk for severe damage. When wisdom teeth do erupt, they often crowd existing teeth, increasing your likelihood of developing tooth decay and gum disease with the rest of your teeth.
Before the root is fully formed
If the roots develop fully, it becomes more difficult to do an extraction than when only the crowns have developed. Teeth grow from the crown down to the root, so if you get it done before the root develops, then surgery is easier with less recovery time.
To imagine what this is like, think of a skateboard or a tennis ball buried in the sand—which is easiest to remove? The skateboard has to be dug out, but the tennis ball can be rolled out — this should give you some sense of why it’s better to do the surgery before the roots come in.
At the start of summer break
Schedule your wisdom teeth to be removed when life is simple, your health is good, stress is low, you have someone to take care of you, and have time to find a great surgeon (and not settle for a last minute choice). For most people, this time is during one of the summer breaks in high school. If you’re not lucky enough to have already had it done in high school, that’s okay—try to stick to the same guidelines when finding the ideal time. In our experience, wisdom teeth complications always happen right before a major life event, like a big exam, date, or wedding—so don’t delay!
During spring break or over the holidays
There is no time like the present. Having your wisdom teeth removed is a procedure you do not want to put off. If you are in college, the holidays or a week-long break is an ideal time to schedule your procedure. Plan ahead as many others follow the same schedule. Contact us to schedule an exam or, if you have a referral from your general dentist, schedule now.
Read more on whether to see a dentist or choose an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth extraction. Ask these questions of your oral health care provider:
- Do all of my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
- What are my options for anesthesia?
- What complications do you expect to see during the procedure?
- What is the absolute worst case scenario? And, are you prepared for that?
- What are the risks of doing this surgery?
- Compared to all of the other cases you have done, how does my case rank in terms of difficulty?
- Will my face get puffy? How long will it be until my appearance is normal and I can return to school or work?
- What will happen if I leave my wisdom teeth in?
- What Happens If I Don’t Have Them Removed?
- Infection
- Damage to neighboring teeth and tissues
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal disease
- Receding gums
- Loosened teeth
- Bone loss
- Tooth loss
- Jaw weakening
- Development of associated cysts and tumors
- Interference with needed dental treatments
- "Asymptomatic" does not mean "Disease-Free"
- Even third molars that have erupted into the mouth in a normal, upright position may not be problem-free.
- Their location in the back of the mouth makes them extremely difficult to keep clean.
- Bacteria that cause periodontal disease may exist in and around asymptomatic third molars, leading to damage before symptoms appear
- Pathology is always present before symptoms appear.
- Once damage has occurred, it is not always treatable
- Bacteria may contribute to systemic health problems including:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- and other health problems
- Studies have found that periodontal disease in expectant mothers may be associated with a greater likelihood of preterm and low birthweight babies.
- Research has also shown a relationship between the presence of wisdom teeth and the progression of periodontal disease.
