Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth generally, appear between the ages of 17 to 25; and most people need wisdom teeth extraction. In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, and damage to other teeth.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:

• Damage to nearby teeth: The teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease) and possible bone loss.

• Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.

• Tooth Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted).

Wisdom teeth examination
As with any dental procedure, Dr. Francis will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. X-rays will be taken in order to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems.

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