Wisdom Teeth

What are they?

The wisdom teeth are also known as ‘third molars’ are last of the permanent teeth to grow out in the mouth. This typically occurs between the ages of 18-25. Wisdom teeth are grown at the furthest back part of your mouth, with most people having 4 (one at each quadrant), however some may have 3, 2 or if you're lucky, 1.

To keep or remove?

For many people wisdom teeth can grow out normally, providing no reason for them to be removed. X Rays and regular dental checkups are able to track the growth of your wisdom teeth. As wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth to grow out, there is often not enough room left in the mouth to accommodate them. The teeth may then be trapped beneath the gum tissue, grow out partially or come in crooked. This can lead to pain and swelling to overcrowding of the teeth. In these cases wisdom teeth removal is recommended to preserve the overall health of your teeth.

How are they removed?

A wisdom tooth extraction is one of the more popular dental procedures which can be done by your dentist with local anesthesia . For more complicated growths, you may be referred to an oral surgeon, where the extraction will be done using general anesthesia. Following the procedure, you may experience some pain and swelling for a few days which is normal. If you have any prolong pain, swelling or bleeding after this period you should call your dentist.