What You Need to Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If your third molars are unable to erupt into your mouth, you have impacted wisdom teeth. This is caused by a barrier, such as other teeth, or if your tooth is sitting at an angle.

You’ll ideally want to get these removed as a younger adult to prevent serious complications, or even to prevent problems when your actual wisdom teeth surgery takes place. (Your wisdom teeth will erupt between the ages of 18 to 25).

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Include:

  • Pain / toothache
  • Headache
  • Jaw pain
  • Pain in the side of your face
  • Swelling in your mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
  • Difficulty opening your jaw
  • Bad breath
  • Unpleasant taste when you are eating

Do I Need to Remove My Impacted Teeth if They Don’t Hurt?

It is definitely a good idea to get them removed, even if there are no signs of symptoms. They could still cause you issues down the road, such as tooth damage, abscesses, and decay. Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to discuss your situation with you, as everyone is different.

To book a consultation with Dr. K. Bahi for impacted wisdom teeth extraction in Surrey,  please call us at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery today: 604-507-0514.

Does Everyone NEED to Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The question that so many people have when the conversation of wisdom teeth comes up: Does Everyone NEED to Get Their Wisdom Teeth Extracted? does everyone need to get wisdom teeth removed

Your wisdom teeth are your third molars that don’t pop up from your gumline until late in adolescence…and possibly not even into your 20’s. With evolution, people have had less of a need for these specific teeth, so our jaws have compensated for this.

These molars get a bad rap because they are known for causing problems (not to mention, an extra expense if removed).

That said, not everyone will need to get their wisdom teeth removed. If your jaw is large enough to accommodate them and you have no problems when they erupt, it would not be necessary.

How can you have reassurance that you do not need to get them removed?

Well, for starters, if you have zero symptoms indicating a sign of a problem. Secondly, if your dentist looks at your x-rays and determines that your wisdom teeth are in a good, healthy position. Just because you may not have symptoms, it doesn’t guarantee that everything is ok. Get a proper x-ray to give you peace of mind.

The bad news? Well, few and far between won’t have to have their wisdom teeth removed. The majority will, so it’s best to be prepared and accepting of the possibility.

Ask questions at your next dental visit to know where you stand in terms of your wisdom teeth, as well as the removal options available.

If you are located in Surrey, book a consultation with us at New England Cosmetic Oral & Facial Surgery for wisdom teeth removal: 604-507-0514.

 

 

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that the majority of people get in their late teens or early twenties. The problem with wisdom teeth is they are often misaligned. Poor alignment can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, and/or nerves. This is why they require removal.

Wisdom teeth become misaligned when they grow in:

  • Horizontally
  • Angled toward or away from the second molars
  • Angled inward or outward

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped within soft tissue and/or the jawbone. They may also only partially break through the gums. Partial eruption leaves an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. The infection can then result in swelling, pain, a stiff jaw, and general illness. This can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease because the awkward positioning makes it very difficult to brush or floss properly.

How do I know if I have wisdom teeth?

Your dentist can take an x-ray, which will show if they are present. It will also show how they are growing in. Your dentist may also recommend that you see an oral surgeon who will be able to further evaluate your situation.

Will the surgeon want to remove my wisdom teeth?

If your teeth are showing signs of future problems, the surgeon will often recommend that they be extracted. If the procedure is put off too long, it could become more painful and/or complicated, so it is wise to get them removed sooner than later. As the saying goes “It is better to be proactive than reactive”.

Removal is easier for younger patients (ages 17 to 21), as the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed yet. The bone is also less dense, as compared to older patients. As with other surgeries, younger people often heal faster as well.

Wisdom teeth should be removed as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Infection of soft tissue
  • Gum disease
  • Tumors
  • Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
  • Damage to nearby teeth
  • Extensive tooth decay

Call us for more information about wisdom teeth removal.