Removal of a troublesome wisdom tooth is a very common procedure in dentistry, and when a wisdom tooth does need to come out, removal is often simpler in younger adults. In this article, we explain what to look out for and why the timing can matter. Surgery in older adults can take longer and may carry a higher risk of complications.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth is the common name for the third set of molars. These teeth do not erupt through the gums usually until people are in their late teens or early 20s. There are four wisdom teeth in total but not every person has all of them fully formed.
What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Sometimes there is not enough space at the back of the jaw for a wisdom tooth to come through, so this can become “impacted” which means the tooth is partially or fully trapped in your gums in different positions and angles. Some impacted third molars will never cause any issues, they just stay buried in their position. However, other impacted wisdom teeth may cause serious issues, including infection in the surrounding gum tissue.
Here are Some Issues Troublesome Wisdom Teeth Can Create
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause the following issues:
- Pain: in the neighbouring teeth caused by the pressure of the wisdom tooth, or caused by an infection.
- Infection: particularly at the top of the tooth when this is about to erupt.
- Cyst: this is a sac of fluid that can form around the wisdom tooth (often unerupted) and may displace it. It may destroy the bone and damage other surrounding teeth and gums.
- Ulcer: this can happen when a wisdom tooth in the upper jawbone pushes sideways out of the gum and rubs against the inside of the cheek.
- Resorption Cavity: this happens when an impacted tooth pushes towards and hits the molar next to it causing damage to both teeth. This is not very common.
- A food trap: when food becomes trapped between a wisdom tooth and its adjacent molar increasing the risk of tooth decay.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. When a wisdom tooth is causing problems, or is likely to, removal between the ages of 17 and 25 is often simpler, because the roots may not be fully formed and the surrounding bone is softer. Your surgeon will advise whether and when removal is recommended for you.
Indications for Early Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The surgical extraction of wisdom teeth is indicated (recommended) for the following reasons:
- The concerned tooth or gum area has started to cause pain
- There is not enough room in the mouth for the tooth to push through
- Orthodontic work (braces) may be needed as space is needed
- When the other molars around the impacted tooth need to be protected
- Last, but one of the most important reasons is when the impacted wisdom tooth in the lower jaw is close to major nerves like the inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve which may complicate the extraction process.
Your dentist or oral surgeon may need to take x-rays to determine the need to remove wisdom teeth.
If you have been advised that a wisdom tooth may need to come out, wisdom teeth removal is usually easier to plan before problems develop.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Usually, a general dentist will refer patients to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth extraction procedures. The surgeon will use local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic, or sedation therapy to make the patient comfortable depending on the individual clinical case. During the procedure the surgeon will then make an incision (cut) to open the gums and a small portion of the bone to be able to extract the impacted tooth. The tooth may have to be divided into small sections to be able to be extracted safely. Lastly, the incision is closed with stitches that will dissolve in a few days or may need a follow-up appointment to be removed.
About Our Surgeons
The Sunshine Coast Oral, Facial, and Implant Specialists (SCOFIS) is a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in Buderim. Dr Trent Lincoln and Dr Andrew Higgins are registered specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons who see patients referred by general dentists and doctors as well as patients who contact us directly. They are both:
- Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in oral and maxillofacial surgery, FRACDS (OMS)
- Members of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS)
- Members of the Australian Medical Association (AMA)
- Members of the Australian Dental Association (ADA)
If you are considering wisdom teeth removal, call our team on 07 5406 0586 or email reception@sunshinecoastofis.com.au to arrange a consultation and discuss the options for your needs.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.