Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Impaction
Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom”.
In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.
Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
There are several types, or degrees, of impaction based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw:
- Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth (the crown) has penetrated through the bone, but the gingiva (gum) is covering part or all of the tooth’s crown and has not positioned properly around the tooth. Because it is difficult to keep the area clean, food can become trapped below the gum and cause an infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.
- Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has partially erupted, but a portion of the crown remains submerged below the gum and surrounding jawbone. Again, because it is difficult to keep the area clean, infection will commonly occur.
- Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is completely encased by jawbone. This will require more complex removal techniques.
Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth
While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:
- Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease) and possible bone loss.
- Disease: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
- Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.
- Tooth Crowding: It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.
Wisdom teeth examination
As with any dental procedure, we will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. Panoramic or digital X-rays will be taken in order for our doctors to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems. The X-rays can also expose additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth extractions. Only after a thorough examination and consultation can our doctors provide you with the best options for your particular case.
What Does the Removal of Wisdom Teeth Involve?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, generally performed in our office under local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide sedation by a specially trained team in an office surgery suite. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.
To find out more information about wisdom teeth removal at our office or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 503-692-9386.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they often need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent molars to appear in the mouth, usually between ages 17 and 25. Because most mouths lack sufficient space for these third molars to erupt properly, they can become impacted, leading to pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. Removing them can prevent these problems and protect your long‑term oral health.
Q.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth should be extracted?
Our team looks for signs such as:
- Pain, swelling, or repeated infections in the back of your mouth
- Difficulty cleaning the area around the wisdom teeth
- Damage or pressure on adjacent teeth
A thorough exam and X‑rays will help us determine whether extraction is recommended for your unique situation.
Q.
What does the wisdom teeth extraction process involve?
Wisdom tooth removal is typically done in our office using local anesthesia, sedation, or a combination, depending on the complexity of the case. The procedure is quick and usually painless — our team ensures your comfort from start to finish. After extraction, we’ll provide detailed recovery instructions and supportive care.
Q.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The procedure itself isn’t painful — we use anesthesia to numb the area and keep you relaxed. You may experience some discomfort or swelling as the anesthesia wears off, but this is normal and manageable with the care instructions and medications we provide.
Q.
What should I expect during recovery?
Recovery varies by individual, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few days. You’ll want to follow a soft‑food diet immediately after surgery and avoid activities that might dislodge the healing blood clot. We’ll give you a personalized after‑care plan to support a smooth recovery.
Q.
Are there risks or complications I should know about?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks — such as infection or dry socket — but these are uncommon. Following post‑operative instructions carefully significantly reduces your risk. If you notice severe pain, increased swelling, fever, or other concerns, contact us right away.