Wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, appear in the late teenage years or early adulthood. When there isn’t enough room at the back of your mouth for these teeth to grow properly, or if they come in at the wrong angle, they can become problematic. This dilemma is a common one, and it’s something that we at Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery address with expert care under the guidance of Dr. Ruba Khader.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
While some individuals find their wisdom teeth come in easily, others may face challenges. The problems arise when there isn't enough room for these teeth to grow unhindered or they decide to grow at an unconventional angle. This cramped or incorrect growth paves the way for what we call impacted wisdom teeth, leading to cavities, gum disease, cysts, or tumors warranting their removal.
Factors determining the need for removal include:
- Age
- Jaw size
- Tooth form
- Functionality of the wisdom tooth
- Associated pathologies
Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth find themselves cramped for space, they become impacted. There are different levels of impactions:
- Fully Impacted Wisdom Tooth: These are almost completely covered by the jaw bone.
- Partially Impacted Wisdom Tooth: These will partially emerge above the level of the jaw bone and may have a small portion of them showing in the mouth.
- Soft tissue Impacted Wisdom Tooth: These will be mostly covered by the gum tissue. Some of these are partially seen in the mouth if they emerge above the level of the gum tissue.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause an array of problems:
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Gum infections
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Pathologies such as cysts or tumors
Diagnosis and Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
A routine dental visit can reveal impacted wisdom teeth. The growth of wisdom teeth is evaluated through digital radiographs. If the need arises, you're referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist like Dr. Khader for a thorough consultation regarding removing these teeth. We will review all anesthesia options for your procedure, ensuring you're well-informed before proceeding. In general, the removal of third molars or wisdom teeth will improve the overall health of your mouth and will prevent future problems.
Schedule a Consultation at Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Today!
Your journey towards better oral health continues after the procedure. Dr. Khader and the Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team are dedicated to providing a caring post-procedure environment to ensure an enhanced recovery with minimal discomfort.
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common concern, yet with timely intervention, the problems stemming from them can be prevented. If you suspect that you might have impacted wisdom teeth or are experiencing discomfort, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Khader at our Milwaukee, WI, office. Your oral health is a shared journey, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
