This information is intended for patients who might require a surgical procedure to extract their impacted wisdom teeth. It provides an explanation of the reasons for removal, the procedure involved, and any potential risks or complications.
The wisdom tooth, also known as the third molar, typically emerges into the mouth after the age of approximately 16. Often, there is insufficient space for these wisdom teeth to properly come in, leading to what is termed as “impacted” wisdom teeth. Impaction can occur when the wisdom teeth are blocked from normal eruption, either pushing towards the tooth in front of them or growing backward into the jawbone.
Reasons for the removal of wisdom teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to various issues that make its removal the most suitable option. The most common problems related with impacted wisdom teeth are:
- Repeated gum infections covering a partially erupted tooth (pericoronitis).
- Tooth decay (caries) in the wisdom tooth, which cannot be treated by your dentist.
- Infection of the tooth (abscess) caused by advanced dental decay.
- Compromised neighboring molar tooth due to gum (periodontal) disease or dental decay caused by the impacted wisdom tooth.
- Development of a progressive cystic (fluid-filled sac) around the tooth.
- Inclusion in other surgical procedures involving the jaw. 7. Your surgeon may discuss other, less common reasons with you.
