Wisdom Teeth

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most people have a mouth that is designed to hold 28 teeth. The third set of molars, also known as wisdom teeth, usually emerge in the early to late teens or early 20s and are the last teeth to arrive. For many people, it can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that comfortably holds only 28!

Do I have to have my wisdom teeth removed?

It is necessary to extract wisdom teeth when they are not emerging properly. Your teeth may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, or even get trapped beneath the gum and bone. Wisdom teeth rarely erupt into the mouth correctly.

If your wisdom teeth emerge aligned properly and your gum tissue is healthy, your wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Well-formed wisdom teeth are difficult to reach when brushing, however, making them more likely to decay than other teeth. Therefore, extensive dental work may be required to maintain the wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Management 1
Wisdom Teeth Management 2
Wisdom Teeth:
What to eat after surgery
Wisdom Teeth Healing
Wisdom Teeth Surgery:
How long will it take?

When there is a not enough room in the rear of the mouth for the third molars to emerge and they become trapped, they are considered “impacted.” Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they try to emerge.

    Molars may be impacted in two different ways:

  • By depth
  • By angle

    The wisdom tooth may penetrate through the bone and gum tissue in one of three ways:

  • Totally impacted into bone
  • Partially impacted into bone
  • Impacted into gum tissue

Dr Rider will carefully consider the characteristics of each sedative, your health history and the
complexities of the procedure(s) in order to determine the best choice of sedative and method of administration.

Meet Samantha: Wisdom Teeth Removal 1
Meet Samantha: Wisdom Teeth Removal 2
Meet Samantha: Wisdom Teeth Removal 3
Wisdom Teeth: Impacted
Wisdom Teeth: Patient Safety
Wisdom Teeth: Impacted or Crowding
Wisdom Teeth: Pain or No Pain

The wisdom tooth may emerge at an angle that is:

  • Slightly off, the wisdom tooth doesn’t quite align with the other teeth

    • OR

  • The wisdom tooth may be completely horizontal to the other teeth.

Impacted third molars may lead to:

  • Pain
  • Infection / abscess
  • Bite misalignment
  • Damage to the neighboring teeth
  • Crowding of teeth

    Molars may be impacted in two different ways:

  • By depth
  • By angle

    The wisdom tooth may penetrate through the bone and gum tissue in one of three ways:

  • Totally impacted into bone
  • Partially impacted into bone
  • Impacted only into gum tissue

    A wisdom tooth that emerges at an angle leaves a space between it and the next tooth.

    This space traps food particles and bacteria, causing

  • Infections
  • Swelling
  • Pain

Bacteria can produce an oral infection called Pericoronitis.

Symptoms of Pericoronitis include:

  • Pain when you bite,
  • An unpleasant taste in your mouth.
  • Bad breath.

You will likely have redness & swelling of the gum around the tooth.

Follow up

If you have sutures, most will dissolve on their own.
Dr. Rider will set an appointment for you to return to our office as needed,
and she will perform post oral surgery exams when needed.

Last words on the subject

Rider Oral Surgery is dedicated to ensuring that your visit is a pain-free experience and that you’re well-informed about the procedure and required after-care.

Contact us today for an appointment!

(517) 783-3130