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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Victorville, CA

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the "Age of Wisdom."

Anthropologists note that the rough diet of early humans resulted in the excessive wear of their teeth. Normal drifting of the teeth to compensate for this wear ensured that space was available for most wisdom teeth to erupt by adolescence. The modern diet, which is much softer, and the popularity of orthodontic tooth straightening procedures produce a fuller dental arch, which quite commonly doesn't leave room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, thereby setting the stage for problems when the final four molars enter the mouth.

Panoramic x-ray showing wisdom teeth at the back of the upper and lower jaws

What is an Impacted Tooth?

A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and its growth and eruption are prevented by overlying gum, bone or another tooth.

How Serious is an Impacted Tooth?

Impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection. They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots.

More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. As the cyst grows it may hollow out the jaw and permanently damage adjacent teeth, the surrounding bone and nerves. Rarely, if a cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from its walls and a more serious surgical procedure may be required to remove it.

Complications such as infection, damage to adjacent teeth and the formation of cysts may arise from impacted teeth.
Infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth(a) InfectionA wisdom tooth crowding and damaging the tooth beside it(b) Crowding, damageA cyst forming around an impacted wisdom tooth(c) Cyst

Despite the considerable concern regarding impacted third molars, a study sponsored by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation finds that third molars which have broken through the tissue and erupted into the mouth in a normal, upright position may be as prone to disease as those third molars that remain impacted.

Must the Tooth Come Out if it Hasn't Caused Any Problems Yet?

Not all problems related to third molars are painful or visible. Damage can occur without your being aware of it.

As wisdom teeth grow, their roots become longer, the teeth become more difficult to remove and complications become more likely. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to cause problems as patients age.

No one can predict when third molar complications will occur, but when they do, the circumstances can be much more painful and the teeth more difficult to treat.

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It isn't wise to wait until your wisdom teeth start to bother you. In general, earlier removal of wisdom teeth results in a less complicated healing process. The AAOMS/OMSF study strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed by the time the patient is a young adult in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing. The researchers found that older patients may be at greater risk for disease, including periodontitis, in the tissues surrounding the third molars and adjacent teeth. Periodontal infections, such as those observed in this study, may affect your general health.

What Happens During Surgery?

Before surgery, Dr. Chu will discuss with you what to expect. This is a good time to ask questions or express your concerns. It is especially important to let the doctor know about any illness you have and medications you are taking.

Wisdom Teeth Growth by Age
Wisdom tooth position at 12 years12 years
Wisdom tooth position at 14 years14 years
Wisdom tooth position at 17 years17 years
Wisdom tooth position at 25 years25 years

Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, since their roots are not completely formed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Removal of wisdom teeth at a later age becomes more complicated as the roots have fully developed (may involve the nerve), and the jawbone is denser.

The relative ease with which a wisdom tooth may be removed depends on several conditions, including the position of the tooth and root development. Impacted wisdom teeth may require a more involved surgical procedure.

Most wisdom tooth extractions are performed in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Dr. Chu will discuss the anesthetic option that is right for you.

What Happens after Surgery?

Following surgery, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort, which are part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses may help decrease the swelling, and medication prescribed by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help manage the discomfort. You may be instructed to modify your diet following surgery and later progress to more normal foods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?

Technically, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age. However, the longer they are in place and not coming through as they should, the greater the risk of potential oral concerns, such as dental decay, gum disease, and even bone loss. Removing them during the teen years reduces this risk.

In addition, during these years, the bone is still soft, making for an easier extraction and faster healing time. As you get older, the risks for complications as well as difficulty of extraction increases over time. This may cause delayed healing as well as extended recovery / healing period.

Wisdom teeth can also contribute towards damaging other teeth, which may need to be removed as well if the damage is severe.

What happens afterwards? What will I feel like? What can I expect during recovery?

After surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling, pain, and bleeding. Within a few hours, bleeding should stop, though you may still experience a pink color to your saliva. Follow your surgeon’s after-care instructions, including what to avoid in order to reduce your risk of dry socket.

Symptoms should improve within a few days and be completely gone within a week. If you experience continued bleeding, new bleeding, or increasing pain, contact your surgeon immediately.

What happens on the day of wisdom tooth removal?

On the day of wisdom tooth removal, the surgeon begins by administering local anesthesia alone, or in combination with nitrous oxide sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. When you are ready, the surgeon begins with an incision to expose the tooth and bone and then works to remove the tooth.

Once removed, sutures may be used to close the wound and gauze is put in place to control bleeding and promote the formation of a clot. This clot helps to keep the socket closed and reduces the risk of exposure of the nerves and bone to air, or what is known as dry socket.

What is dry socket?

Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the clot that forms in the tooth socket is prematurely removed or does not form correctly, leaving the nerves and bone exposed.

To reduce the risk of dry socket, avoid spitting, smoking, using a straw, or brushing near the extraction site for 24-48 hours after your wisdom tooth removal.