Wisdom tooth surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. It is estimated that 10,000,000 wisdom teeth are extracted yearly in the US alone.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the 3rd set of molars erupt furthest back in the mouth. They tend to erupt in your late teens to mid 20’s. Not everyone has all 4 wisdom teeth, and some may not have any at all.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
In a small minority of people, the wisdom teeth may erupt upright in the correct angle, through the gum line without any complications. Nowadays this has become a rare occurrence! If there isn’t enough room in the mouth, your wisdom teeth may grow in an unusual angle which can affect the surrounding teeth and gums. This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimates that 90% of people will develop at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
Complications caused by impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can make you more prone to tooth decay. Impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean, resulting in food and bacteria getting trapped in the gap between the wisdom tooth and overlying gum. This can contribute to bad breath, pain, swelling, bleeding, a sour taste in the mouth or even a spreading infection.
That being said, an absence of symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean an absence of complications. It is not uncommon for your dentist to take an X-ray only to find that the wisdom tooth itself and or the molar tooth in front has decayed without your knowledge.
Should I remove my wisdom teeth?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed! It is important to get your wisdom tooth assessed in order to weigh out the pros and cons. At The Dental Studio, we meticulously evaluate individual cases using globally recognized standards to determine the necessity of a surgical procedure.
Will removing my wisdom teeth change the shape of my face?
Selecting the right dentist can make all the difference! Whilst Wisdom tooth surgery typically doesn’t drastically change the shape of your face. In some cases, minor changes can occur if the wisdom teeth were causing crowding or other dental issues, their removal could lead to minor changes in your facial appearance due to the improved alignment of your teeth for example.
Opting for a dentist skilled in wisdom tooth surgery and one who considers the overall facial and structural aspects of the face is crucial in understanding what to expect following wisdom tooth removal. If this is a concern, I encourage you to schedule an appointment for a thorough assessment and treatment plan. Your well-being is always a priority!
