Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
Wisdom Teeth, also known as Third Molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the "age of wisdom."
Anthropologists note that the rough diet of early humans resulted in the excessive wear of their teeth. Normal drifting of the teeth to compensate for this wear ensured that space was available for most wisdom teeth to erupt by adolescence. The modern diet, which is much softer, and the popularity of orthodontic tooth straightening procedures, produce a fuller dental arch, which quite commonly doesn’t leave room for wisdom teeth to erupt, thereby setting the stage for problems when the final four molars try to erupt into the mouth.
| Development of the Wisdom Teeth | |||
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| Age 12 | Age 14 | Age 17 | Age 25 |
What is an Impacted Tooth?
A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and overlying gum, bone, or another tooth prevents its growth and eruption. A tooth may be totally impacted or partially impacted depending on how much of the tooth has broken through the gum tissue.
How Serious is an Impacted Tooth?
Impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection. They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots. More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. As the cyst grows, it may hollow out the jaw and permanently damage adjacent teeth, the surrounding bone, and nerves. Rarely, if a cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from its walls and a more serious surgical procedure may be required to remove it.
Despite the considerable concern regarding impacted Third Molars, a recent study sponsored by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation finds that Third Molars which have broken through the tissue and erupt into the mouth in a normal, upright position may be as prone to disease as those Third Molars that remain impacted.
Must a Third Molar Be Removed if it Hasn’t Caused Any Problems Yet?
Not all problems related to Third Molars are painful or visible. Damage can occur without you even knowing.
As wisdom teeth grow, their roots become longer, the teeth become more difficult to remove, and complications become more likely. In addition, partially or totally impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to cause problems as patients age.
No one can predict when Third Molar complications will occur, but when they do, the circumstances can be much more painful and the teeth more difficult to treat. It has been estimated that about 85% of Third Molars will eventually need to be removed.
When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It isn’t wise to wait until your wisdom teeth start to bother you. In general, earlier removal of Third Molars results in a less complicated healing process. The AAOMS/OMSF study strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed by the time the patient is a young adult in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing. The researchers found that older patients may be at a greater risk for disease, including periodontitis, in the tissues surrounding the Third Molars and adjacent teeth.
Simply Put: Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, since their roots are not completely formed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Removal of wisdom teeth at a later age becomes more complicated as the roots have fully developed, they may involve the nerve, and the jawbone is denser.
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| Crowding | Cyst | Infection |
***Information referenced from www.aaoms.org
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