The Importance of Removing Wisdom Teeth

What Exactly are Wisdom Teeth?

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, commonly known as "wisdom teeth." 

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure. 

Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, and a follow-up appointment if needed.

C. Carson Huynh, DMD, MD, FACS

Board certified oral facial surgeon Dr. Huynh provides a full scope of oral and facial surgery, with expertise in dental implants, corrective and cosmetic jaw surgery, wisdom teeth extraction, surgical management of impacted teeth, oral pathology, and facial cosmetic surgery. Impacted wisdom teeth surgery requires specialized training in oral surgery and anesthesia in order to provide the most comfortable and safe experience for the patient. Wisdom teeth removal cost can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the level of difficulty a particular patient's condition. In our practice, we make wisdom teeth extraction and dental implant in Atlanta affordable even if a patient does not have insurance.