Wisdom Teeth

Many people require removal of their third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. As with any surgical procedure, there are some possible risks and complications. The decision on third molar removal should be decided by a patient in consultation with their dentist and/or oral surgeon. The ideal time is before the root has fully formed, as the complications for removal are much less at that time.

Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of third molars is generally recommended :

The most common reason people choose to remove their wisdom teeth, is that their mouth is too small for these teeth to normally erupt behind the second molar into a good position. This can result in one of the following situations:

1. Complete Bony Impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth are completely covered in bone, and remains completely covered with its "developmental sack" in which all teeth develop. Later in life, this sack may undergo changes and enlarge and develop into a cyst. This cyst will enlarge at the expense of the bone of the jaw. These cysts should be removed and examined by a pathologist.
2. Partial Bony Impaction occurs when the teeth begin to erupt, but are not able to erupt completely. In this situation, the upper third molars usually are positioned towards the cheek, while the lower third molars usually lean forward, with only part of the crown sticking through the gum. This situation can cause decay and gum disease around the second molar directly in front of it.
3. The most common complication of the partial bony impaction, is that the flap of gum tissue which partially covers the erupting third molar, creates a pocket where bacteria that are present in the mouth can grow, and cause an infection known as pericoronitis. The swelling and infection can become very serious. The treatment for pericoronitis is extraction of the third molar tooth.

Some dentists believe that wisdom teeth may push the other teeth in the mouth forward and cause crowding and misalignment of the lower front teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in a variety of directions, such as those illustrated above.

The risks and complications involved in the removal of third molars are:

Pain

Surgical removal of the third molars can lead to some discomfort and pain. This is usually treated with pain medication and ice packs.

Infection

Because of the large number of bacteria present in the mouth, post surgical infection is always possible. Patients are usually placed on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections from developing.

Swelling

Following surgery, patients may experience swelling and bruising. These symptoms vary between patients.

Bleeding

Some post surgical bleeding is considered normal. This is usually minimal and is easily controlled with the pressure of biting on gauze.

Most patients prefer a deep oral sedation or general anesthetic for the removal of wisdom teeth due to the difficulty of the procedure, and the discomfort associated with the use of only local anesthetic.

Finally, there are some risks/complications that are unique to the removal of third molars. The upper third molars have roots which often are separated from the maxillary sinuses by only a very thin layer of bone. Occasionally, a small communication is established between the sinus and the oral cavity, when one of the upper third molars is removed. If this is the case, the normal procedure is for the area to be sutured closed. The patient will then be informed of the finding, and appropriate antibiotics and decongestants will be prescribed. The patient is also instructed to avoid Valsalva maneuvers (tasks which build up pressure in the sinus, like nose blowing and bearing down forcefully) and then reappointed for follow up. Most often, this results in an uneventful healing period with no further treatment being required. Occasionally, the area will heal open rather than closed, in which case, an additional small surgical procedure will be required to close the communication.

The lower third molars often have roots that lie very near or even wrapped around the inferior alveolar nerve. This is the nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, teeth and tongue on each side of the mouth. Occasionally, when a lower third molar is removed, that nerve will be bumped or bruised. If so, a change in sensation may be noted on that side. It is important to understand that this is a sensory nerve, and does not affect the ability to move the parts of the oral cavity to which it gives sensation (feeling). In most cases, the nerve heals itself. However, because nerves heal slowly, it may take six months to one year, before return of normal sensation. Very rarely, the damage to the nerve is permanent.