Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth, causing crowding/shifting. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal (usually in the teen years or early twenties) is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure. The presence of wisdom teeth may later be associated with gum disease of the adjacent second molars.

Oral Examination

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

Removal

Removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or general anesthesia. All anesthesia options as well as the surgical risks (i.e. sensory nerve damage, sinus complications) will be discussed with you before the procedure. After the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured (stitched) and gauze is placed in your mouth to bite on to control bleeding. You will rest under supervision in our office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, you will receive detailed postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at
(212) 319-9700. “Dry socket” (continued discomfort) or infection may require additional care.