Without adequate room to erupt, wisdom teeth may grow at odd angles or become trapped below the gums, known as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth cannot erupt on their own and must be surgically removed. Wisdom teeth may also lead to overcrowding, making it difficult to properly clean around all of your teeth with your toothbrush or floss. As they squeeze in, these large molars can damage adjacent teeth or push them out of alignment, causing your other teeth to shift. Many people also experience pain or swelling when wisdom teeth come in, making it uncomfortable to eat or fully open the mouth.

Having wisdom teeth extracted prevents these oral health issues from occurring. Early extraction is recommended, but adults of all ages can have their wisdom teeth removed. During your first visit, we will examine your wisdom teeth and create a custom treatment plan to extract them. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we are qualified to administer all types of anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort.

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. Additionally, the jaw bone will begin to fuse to the root of the tooth progressively with age.  Therefore, when it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it is advisable to have a consultation so that an appropriate risk/benefit analysis can be performed. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.

The most common signs that your wisdom teeth may not grow into your mouth properly are pain, discomfort, and soreness in the rear. You may also notice issues like swollen, tender, and bleeding gums.‍In some cases, you may even have jaw stiffness that’s so severe that you have trouble opening your mouth all the way. You may also experience pain and difficulty eating.