Wisdom Teeth Removal in Norwood
The wisdom teeth are the final four teeth to erupt from the gums – usually sometime between age 17 and 25. Ideally, the teeth emerge without complication. But according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, as many as 9 in 10 Americans have at least one wisdom tooth that is impacted. Even if the teeth all erupt normally, they may cause overcrowding or grow in at an angle that can be problematic in the future. For that reason, many individuals choose to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid infection, crowding, and other complications in Norwood.
Did you know…
that wisdom teeth may need to be removed even if they have not yet caused any problems? Even wisdom teeth that erupt normally may still be vulnerable to decay over time. Because of the location of wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth, many patients find it difficult to clean and floss all surfaces of the teeth each day. Although complications may not appear immediately, wisdom teeth may begin causing problems in middle to late adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. In many individuals there is not enough space in the jaw for these teeth to erupt properly, which can lead to impaction, infection, gum inflammation, or damage to adjacent teeth.
When is wisdom teeth removal recommended?
Wisdom teeth removal may be recommended either preventively to reduce the risk of future pathology or therapeutically when conditions such as infection, periodontal destruction, cyst formation, or damage to neighboring teeth are present.
What should I expect after wisdom teeth removal?
Following the procedure, swelling and temporary discomfort are common and typically peak within 48–72 hours as part of the normal healing response. These symptoms gradually improve over the following several days. Most patients recover uneventfully by following post‑operative instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and allowing the surgical site adequate time to heal.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
Impacted wisdom teeth may remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone. Dental imaging and a clinical examination allow the doctor to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine whether they are likely to cause problems such as infection, pain, or damage to adjacent teeth.
At what age are wisdom teeth usually removed?
Wisdom teeth are often evaluated during the late teenage years or early adulthood, when the roots are still developing and healing tends to occur more predictably. Early evaluation allows potential problems to be identified and treated before complications develop.
Can wisdom teeth cause problems even if they do not hurt?
Yes. Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems without noticeable symptoms. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth may contribute to infection, decay, gum inflammation, or bone loss around adjacent teeth. For this reason, periodic evaluation and imaging are important to determine whether removal may be recommended.