With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth we can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillo-facial surgeon.

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it can be as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing wisdom teeth include:

INFECTION

The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling and problems with chewing.

CYST FORMATION

Non-infectious diseases may also arise with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid filled “balloons” inside the jaw that can develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent bone and occasionally teeth.

POSSIBLE CROWDING

Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces.

DAMAGE TO ADJACENT TEETH

If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and decay.