Wisdom Teeth

During the teenage years, four additional teeth known as “wisdom teeth” can cause crowding or become painful as they enter into the mouth. The average adult has thirty-two teeth; however the average mouth is made to hold only twenty-eight teeth. It can be painful when thirty-two teeth try to fit in a mouth that only holds twenty-eight teeth. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Why should I remove my wisdom teeth?

The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly entering the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum or even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. A tooth is impacted if it is covered with gum tissue or bone and cannot find a pathway that will allow it to erupt successfully.

Reasons to consider wisdom teeth removal:

• Decay on wisdom teeth and/or adjacent teeth
• Possibility of infection
• Crowding or damage to adjacent teeth
• Cysts or tumors surrounding wisdom teeth

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, our surgeons will evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Most wisdom teeth extractions are performed in our state of the art, in-office setting as an efficient effort to maintain maximum patient comfort and safety under appropriate anesthesia. You may also want to prepare for your surgical evaluation by visiting After Wisdom Teeth Removal and write down any questions you may have about the procedure.