|
|
|
This video is only intended to summarize a dental concept. Consult a dentist for more information and specific recommendations.
|
Requires Quicktime.
|
Wisdom teeth generally erupt around the ages of 17 to 20. Over 90% of the population does not have enough room in their jawbone for their wisdom teeth to erupt. This causes the wisdom teeth to become impacted. Wisdom teeth extractions are performed in our office under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia.
What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is surrounded or encased in the jawbone. Due to a lack of space in the jawbone, the eruption of the wisdom tooth is prevented by overlying bone and/or gum tissue and the adjacent tooth.
My Wisdom Teeth Do Not Bother Me, Why Should I Have Them Removed?
Although impacted wisdom teeth may not be painful, they commonly lead to more serious problems. As people age, these problems become more prevalent. Impacted teeth could become painful at any time and may become infected. They may also damage adjacent teeth. Cysts or tumors may form around the impacted tooth, which may lead to damage of the surrounding jawbone, adjacent teeth, and sensory nerves. Even unimpacted, fully erupted wisdom teeth could cause future bone loss (periodontitis) and infections.
