Wisdom Teeth Removal
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
 Adults develop a total of 32 teeth. Most of the teeth are in by the age of 13. The last 4 teeth, however, do not come in until your late teens to early 20s. These teeth are the third molars or wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are the most at risk of becoming impacted. This means that they may not be able to properly erupt through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several serious issues, greatly affecting your quality of life. At Palani Center for Dental Implants, we can help with wisdom teeth removal.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
Your wisdom teeth are the most likely teeth to become impacted. There are several reasons for this. Common reasons include:
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Not having enough space in the jaw to accommodate all 32 teeth.
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Bone or tissue is blocking the path of the wisdom teeth.
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The wisdom teeth are growing at an angle. This also includes wisdom teeth that are growing while laying down. |
What Happens When the Wisdom Teeth are Impacted?
When your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may be faced with several issues. These issues include:
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Severe pain. One of the most common indications of impacted wisdom teeth is pain at the back of the jaw. You may also notice swelling in your jaw and face. Eating, speaking, or even moving your mouth at all can be both difficult and very painful.
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Overcrowding. For many people, the jaw is not big enough to accommodate all 32 teeth. Even if the wisdom teeth are growing properly, they can begin to shove the adjacent teeth out of alignment. These teeth push against the next teeth and so on until your mouth is overcrowded. In addition to impacting your smile, overcrowding can also increase your risk of tooth damage, tooth decay, gum disease, and bruxism.
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Cysts. The wisdom teeth form in small sacs in your jaw. If fluid gets into one, a cyst forms. Without treatment, cysts grow larger and can destroy bone mass. Too much bone damage can lead to the need for a bone graft.
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Infections. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be very difficult to keep clean. As a result, you may develop an infection, also called pericoronitis.
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Tooth damage. Wisdom teeth that are growing at an angle toward the adjacent teeth can cause damage. This can put the adjacent teeth at risk for chips, cracks, root fractures, and infections. |
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed. This is done with a surgical extraction. Typically, the earlier the wisdom teeth are removed, the easier it is. This is because the roots are not fully formed and are therefore not very long. The bone around them is also still soft. Removing wisdom teeth later can make the extraction a bit more complex.
Your surgical extraction begins with a local anesthetic. This numbs the treatment areas. Sedation or general anesthesia may also be provided to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Incisions are made near the wisdom teeth to expose their roots and surrounding bone. We then work to remove the teeth. This might mean removing a small portion of bone in the process.
In some cases, the wisdom teeth may need to be sectioned and removed in pieces. Once the teeth are completely removed, the areas are cleaned out and disinfected. Finally, your surgical incisions are sutured closed.
Removing impacted wisdom teeth helps to improve your oral health and your quality of life. Following their removal, they do not need to be replaced. For more information, or if you are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, contact Palani Center for Dental Implants today (310) 894-8337.
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