Wisdom teeth (also known as Third Molar Teeth) usually erupt through the gums in the late teens but can erupt at a much later age. They are usually the last teeth to erupt.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, however this can vary between individuals and some can have none. Quite often there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt, resulting in the tooth becoming “impacted”.The impacted teeth can cause severe problems hence they are recommended to be taken out by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
It is usually the lower wisdom teeth that are the cause for problems. However upper wisdom teeth can bite down onto the lower gums. Therefore, both the upper and lower wisdom teeth are usually removed. The removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure and should be done as soon as possible before any problems get worse.
It is best to remove wisdom teeth whilst a person is young. Young person’s tooth roots have not completely formed and the bone around the teeth is softer. Therefore, removal of wisdom teeth is much easier with fewer complications.
Your Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon may recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth based on the following reasons:
There is not enough room for the tooth to push through.
You need orthodontic work and the your orthodontist requires space to align your other teeth by removing the wisdom teeth.
The tooth has started to cause problems and should be removed before any further damage occurs.
As the wisdom tooth develops, its roots will grow closer to the nerve of the jaw, therefore increasing the risk of injury to the nerve if the tooth were to be removed later.
Protection of adjacent teeth from the impacted wisdom teeth.