Wisdom Teeth

From the office of: Paul E. Coggins, DDS, FAGD 1203 Ridge Rd I Fact Sheet Wisdom Teeth I Raleigh, NC 27607-6834 (919) 832-0168 What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth If they grow in properly, wisdom teeth wisdom teeth before they’re fully are no different than any other teeth in erupted in order to prevent such prob- your mouth. However, if they become lems from developing. impacted, or erupt in a strange angle or location, they may need to be removed. How do I know if I need my Learn more about your wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removed? wisdom tooth extractions. Individuals whose wisdom teeth need to be removed may experience a variety of What are wisdom teeth? symptoms, including pain, infection, and Wisdom teeth are another name for the swelling of the face or gumline. Your den- third molars. Most people have three per- tist can determine whether you need your manent molars in each quadrant of their wisdom teeth removed by taking X-rays procedure. However, you should avoid mouth. First molars typically erupt around and examining your mouth. Wisdom teeth excessive rinsing or spitting while your age 6, while second molars emerge that are not removed should be moni- mouth heals. around age 12. tored, as they may cause problems later Additionally, studies have shown that The third molars are the last to erupt. in life. Extraction is usually an outpatient the high levels of estrogen found during They are referred to as wisdom teeth procedure, performed by a dentist or oral the first 22 days of the menstrual cycle because they tend to develop later in life surgeon using a local sedation or general and in certain oral contraceptives may than other teeth, between the ages of anesthetic. increase a woman’s chances of developing 17 and 21. dry socket. To decrease this risk, if possible, Are there any complications women should schedule extractions during Why do wisdom teeth sometimes associated with wisdom tooth the last week of their menstrual cycle. need to be removed? extractions? Before tooth extraction, be sure to Some wisdom teeth may become impact- The most common complication associ- tell your dentist about any medications ed (prevented from erupting properly). ated with wisdom tooth extractions is dry or supplements that you are taking, as Many dentists recommend the extraction socket, a painful condition that occurs they could interfere with the healing of impacted wisdom teeth because of when the blood clot at the extraction site process. To avoid complications after the the problems they may cause, including does not form correctly or is lost prema- procedure, follow your dentist’s instruc- infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum turely. Because this blood clot serves as tions regarding eating and drinking, pain disease, cysts, and tumors. the foundation for new tissue and bone management, and keeping the extraction Wisdom teeth that have already erupt- to develop, dry socket delays the normal site clean. ed also may need to be removed if they healing process. Everyone’s mouth is different, and only are nonfunctional, badly decayed, inter- To prevent dry socket, do not smoke, a dentist can determine whether your fering with your bite, involved with or at consume carbonated beverages, or drink wisdom teeth need to be removed. If you risk of gum disease, or causing problems through a straw after a wisdom tooth have concerns about your wisdom teeth with adjacent teeth or restorations. Some extraction. Rinsing with salt water can or wisdom tooth extraction, talk to your dentists also may recommend removing help keep your mouth clean after the general dentist.

KnowYourTeeth.com Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), this website answers important dental health questions, offers the latest information on current treatments, provides tips for first-rate oral hygiene, and helps visitors find highly qualified general dentists near where they live.

The AGD is a member of the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a first-of-its-kind national dental coalition composed of 37 leading dental health organizations. Look for more information about the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign at www.2min2x.org.