Wisdom Teeth Management
Chicago, IL
Adults develop 32 permanent teeth. 28 of these teeth erupt by around the age of 13. The last 4 teeth do not come in until the late teens to early 20s. These are the third molars, more commonly known as the wisdom teeth. These teeth are also the most likely to become impacted, meaning that they cannot erupt properly, or at all, through the gums. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, Cameo Dental Specialists can improve your oral health with a wisdom tooth extraction.
What Causes The Wisdom Teeth To Become Impacted?
There are a few reasons why your wisdom teeth might become impacted. These reasons include:
| • | Not enough space in the jawbone to accommodate the wisdom teeth. |
| • | The wisdom teeth are blocked by bone or soft tissue. |
| • | The wisdom teeth are growing at an angle that prevents them from coming in fully or at all. |
Effects Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
For some people, the wisdom teeth never cause any problems. They come in just like any other teeth. If they come in properly and do not cause pain or other issues, it is possible for them to remain in the jaw and never have to be removed. For many others, however, impacted wisdom teeth cause serious complications. Issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth include:
| • | Significant pain. One of the biggest indicators that your wisdom teeth are impacted is pain at the back of the jaw. This pain can be so severe that it can prevent you from eating, speaking, or even moving your mouth properly. You may also notice swelling in your jaw and face. |
| • | Overcrowding. Even if there is not enough space in the jaw for the wisdom teeth, they still attempt to erupt. As they do, they can put pressure on the adjacent teeth. This pressure can force them out of alignment, which then puts pressure on the next teeth. Eventually, your bite may be thrown off, which can lead to difficulty eating, a decrease in the quality of your smile, and bruxism. |
| • | Infections. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are very difficult to clean properly. This makes them ideal places for oral bacteria and plaque. These substances can irritate the gums, leading to an infection. |
| • | Cysts. The wisdom teeth develop in small sacs. Should fluid get into these sacs, a cyst can form. Without treatment, a cyst grows bigger and bigger and can destroy a significant amount of bone in the process. It may be necessary to have a bone graft to restore the jaw following cyst removal. |
| • | Damage to other teeth. If your teeth are growing at an odd angle, they may grow into the sides of the adjacent teeth. This can cause serious damage such as fractures that can lead to the need for a root canal or tooth extraction. |
Extracting Your Wisdom Teeth
When the wisdom teeth are impacted, an extraction is necessary. Removing the wisdom teeth requires a surgical extraction. This procedure is done under a local anesthetic. Sedation may also be provided to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. The procedure begins with small incisions in the back of the mouth near the wisdom teeth. These incisions provide us with access to the teeth, their roots, and the surrounding bone. Next, the teeth are carefully and completely removed. Once done, the surgical wounds are sutured closed. Following recovery, your wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, removing them will help to restore your oral health and improve your quality of life. For more information, and to schedule your appointment with one of our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, contact Cameo Dental Specialists today at (630) 425-4488.
