Wisdom Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, usually appearing at the back of the mouth between ages 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or none at all. They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they emerge later, when we’re presumably “wiser.”

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Early humans needed extra molars to chew tough foods like roots and nuts. Today, our diets and tools make these extra teeth less necessary, so not everyone develops them. Since modern jaws often lack the space for wisdom teeth, they may grow in at odd angles, leading to problems.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If there isn’t enough room, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they get stuck or grow sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, or crowding, putting pressure on other teeth and increasing the risk of future dental issues.

FLOSS Dental Clinic conducts a full assessment of any wisdom teeth. Not everybody has wisdom teeth, and not everybody has to have them removed!

In the majority of cases where wisdom teeth are required to be removed, this can be done comfortably under local anesthesia.

If the wisdom teeth are in an awkward position, or close to the main nerve that supplies the jaw, we will organize with our specialized associate Oral Surgeon to perform the operation within the comfort of our own clinic.

FAQ

Are there different kinds of wisdom tooth extractions?

Every case is different, holds particularly true when it comes to our last molars. Wisdom teeth are the most anatomically variant of teeth. There are so many variations that in fact they are the most commonly missing teeth and some people may not have wisdom teeth at all. Some wisdom teeth are single rooted and others have multiple long curved roots.

At FLOSS Dental Clinic we know that every case is different. We will first evaluate with our cutting edge digital panoramic machine and inform you of the process needed for your case. Most wisdom teeth extractions are simple extractions meaning that the tooth is already exposed and does not require surgery. These extractions are performed quickly and painlessly via local anesthesia. On occasion, some wisdom teeth may require surgical extractions. These cases are also preformed painlessly under local anesthesia but require specialist attention.

When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

In some circumstances, your wisdom teeth may come through into your mouth and you may not even know that they are there. In this case, we will talk to you at your regular check-up about how to look after them.

However, if you notice pain and discomfort at the back of your mouth, swelling around the face, or difficulty opening your mouth, it is important that you contact the team at FLOSS Dental Clinic and book in for an appointment.

Even if you do not feel any discomfort or see your wisdom teeth, it is best to check your wisdom teeth before the age of 18 with a panoramic x-ray. By evaluating the jaws early we can prepare properly and avoid unforeseen problems.

Oftentimes we will monitor the development of the wisdom teeth and you may not need to remove them. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted or do need to be removed, it is best to perform these extractions before the root is fully developed and preferably between 17 and 25.

At FLOSS Dental Clinic, we will evaluate your case and explain the process for you. We will also listen to your needs and schedule a time that suits your schedule.

What is pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis is a painful condition where the gum tissue surrounding the crown of a tooth is inflamed, swollen and infected. It’s more common in your lower teeth and it usually happens around your wisdom teeth.

Pericoronitis can develop when wisdom teeth only partially erupt or cannot be cleaned properly. Soft tissue growing over a partially erupted wisdom tooth is called an operculum. Food debris, plaque and bacteria can get trapped under the operculum and surrounding gingiva.

Occasionally this debris is not removed promptly and the bacteria may increase in numbers irritating the gum and eventually leading to an active infection. In serious cases, the swelling and infection may extend beyond the jaw to the cheeks, face and neck and may need to be drained and treated with antibiotics.

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