Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent teeth to form and move into the mouth. Wisdom teeth will usually emerge at around 16 to 18 years of age and be fully developed by the age of 22 or 23. This was assumed to be the “age of wisdom”, which is where the term “wisdom” teeth originated.
In most cases, the jaws are not large enough to accommodate these teeth and therefore they remain under the gum tissue and bone. The term “impacted” describes a tooth that is not fully exposed in the mouth. This is due to an evolutionary trend towards a larger cranial (brain) size and smaller jaw limiting the space to accommodate the wisdom teeth.
Removing impacted wisdom teeth early is usually a less involved procedure than waiting until complications and pain develop. It is best to remove the teeth before the roots are fully formed. As you age, the roots will thicken and become more firmly anchored to the jawbone. If you wait until your wisdom teeth cause you trouble, chances of risks and complications are higher, and recovery may not proceed as smoothly as when they are removed electively. With the help of X-Rays, we can frequently predict if the unerupted teeth will be problematic.
Our practice is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. Our goal is to make your surgical experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible and to ensure the best possible treatment results. If you have any questions, please let us know.