Wisdom
Teeth
Wisdom
teeth (your third
molars) are the last
teeth
to come in and the
last ones needed for
good oral health.
They may not ever
erupt, or emerge
from your gums until
your late teens or
early twenties, if
they erupt at
all. Most
often,
they
are
impacted,
or
trapped
in
the
jawbone
and gums, usually
because there is not
enough room for
them in your mouth.
Silent
and serious problems
can develop from
impacted or
partially trapped
wisdom teeth.
Infections as well as
damage to nearby teeth
can occur. Crowding
and shifting
of teeth in parts of
the jaws is possible.
In addition,
since the area of
wisdom teeth is
difficult to correctly
clean, tooth decay and
periodontal (gum)
problems are
prevalent in the
wisdom teeth as well
as your second
(12 year) molars.
More
serious complications can
arise when the dental sac
that surrounds an impacted
tooth fills with fluid and
enlarges to form a cyst in
the jawbone. Cysts can
destroy good bone and
cause permanent damage to
the adjacent teeth,
jawbone and nerves. If
left untreated, tumors can
develop from the area of
these cysts and a more
extensive surgical
procedure would be
required to remove the
teeth and associated
tumor.
Most recently, it has been
discovered that the
bacteria that collects
around your 3rd molars
invade the bloodstream and
can lead to clogging of
the arteries around the
heart. The clogged
arteries are what causes
heart attacks. This
bacteria also can lead to
strokes and
diabetes. For more
information please read
the AAOMS
3rd Molar Study.
Even though you may not be
experiencing any problems
from your wisdom teeth, it
is likely that they will
cause problems for you in
the future. No one can
tell you when your wisdom
teeth will cause trouble,
but when they do, the
circumstances can be much
more painful and the teeth
may be more complicated to
properly treat. We
recommend in most cases
that you have your wisdom
teeth evaluated by an oral
and maxillofacial surgeon
like Dr. Falcone between
the ages 16-18. However,
it is never too early or
late to have your wisdom
teeth examined. Certainly,
if you are experiencing
discomfort now or are
unsure of the position of
your wisdom teeth it may
be prudent to schedule an
appointment with Dr.
Falcone soon.
Dr. Falcone can
frequently predict through
the use of x-rays and
clinical examination when or
if your wisdom teeth might
begin to cause you problems
in the near future or later
in life. If your oral
evaluation reveals a problem
or a potential problem with
your wisdom teeth, Dr.
Falcone will most likely
recommend their removal
rather than wait for trouble
to start. Surgical removal
is easier in younger
patients, as roots are not
yet fully developed.
It is for this reason that a
decision may be made to
remove wisdom teeth prior to
any discomfort or
complications. This method
of treatment will avoid
comp- lications later in
life.
Although
all surgery is serious and
should be decided on
carefully, modern oral and
maxillofacial surgery has
been greatly improved in
the past several
years. Many steps are
taken to ensure your
comfort before, during and
after your procedure.
Generally, you will
experience some minor swelling
and discomfort after
your surgery.
However, with personalized
postoperative care given
by Dr. Falcone and his
staff, these
inconveniences are
greatly minimized.
The doctor and his staff
are always available to
answer any questions or
discus your
personal situation.
We
are happy to be of
service to you!
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