Extractions of teeth may be recommended for a variety of reasons. These may include impaction, crowding, decay, fracture, infection, orthodontic reasons,abnormalities in development or eruption. Dr. Wagner takes pride in his ability to provide gentle tooth extractions and he has the training, license, and experience to provide various types of Anesthesia to make procedures more comfortable.
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 (may involve the nerve) and the jawbone is denser.
Function and Description of Wisdom Teeth
The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age 18: sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen 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 while
the back teeth, (molar teeth), are used to grind food
up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
However, the average mouth is able to hold only 28 teeth. It can be a problem when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that can hold only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as “Wisdom Teeth.”
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. For many people they remain unerupted or impacted. A simple panoramic x-ray at age 13-15 can give us the information to make a proper prediction as to whether they will be able to fit in the jaw or not. Even when they fit in and align properly, there is typically not enough room for the third molars to be in healthy tissues. This is evidenced by a lack of “attached gum tissue” around the back sides of the third molar sites. Your dentist or hygienist can assess this for you, or we can also provide this evaluation.
The extraction of wisdom teeth is appropriate when we can make the prediction that there will not be proper room for them in the mouth. They may grow sideways, be partially emerged in the gums, 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 erupt successfully.
You may be interested in our page about problems that can occur with Wisdom Teeth.
When is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
It is Dr. Wagner’s opinion, and has been his experience, that early removal of wisdom teeth is the best course of action. Fifteen to seventeen years old is an ideal time to have the Wisdom Teeth removed. Typically the teeth are not completely formed which reduces the surgery and risks. Healing is typically faster and easier. As we age, the teeth develop further and there are often other circumstances such as contamination of the sites, infection, and increase in risks to the adjacent vital structures. As we age, further the teeth become more solidly attached in the bone, which again can increase risks and difficulty. This continues throughout life, so we would always prefer to treat you “now, rather than later.”
What is an Impacted Tooth?
A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and its growth and eruption are prevented by overlying gum, bone or another tooth. A tooth may be partially impacted, which means a portion of it has broken through the gum, or totally impacted and unable to break through the gum at all.
How are Problems Assessed?
Not all problems related to third molars are painful or visible. Damage can occur without your being aware of it. A panoramic x-ray can easily evaluate the circumstance and provide information to predict whether the wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems or not. With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Wagner can evaluate the position of the impacted teeth and predict if there may be future or present problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. We prefer to evaluate you in the mid-teenage years.
All outpatient surgery is performed under proper Anesthesia. Dr. Wagner has the training, license and experience to provide various types of Anesthesia to make procedures more comfortable. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff experienced in Anesthesia techniques.
We welcome and serve patients all across Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois including; Racine, Kenosha, Union Grove, Milwaukee, Burlington, Waterford, Oak Creek, Franklin, Waukegan, Zion, Antioch, and Gurnee.
