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901 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo CA 94402   800.633.3333   7 Days

Raju Reddy, DDS MD
Oral Surgeon

WHY DO WISDOM TEETH CAUSE PROBLEM?

Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned can be a valuable

asset to the mouth. Unfortunately this is not often the case, and problems

develop that require their removal. For example, when the jaw is not large

enough to accommodate these teeth, they can become impacted-unable to

come into their proper place. They may go sideways, emerge only partway

from the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impaction

occurs most often in the third molars of the lower jaw. After examining

your mouth and taking X-rays, your dentist will discuss whether your

wisdom teeth should be removed.

WHY ARE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Extraction of wisdom teeth can protect the overall health of the mouth.

It is generally recommended when the following conditions occur:

      1. Wisdom teeth only partially erupt leaving an opening for bacteria

          to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, Swelling,

          stiffness and general illness can result.

      2. Impacted wisdom teeth continue growing without enough room,

          damaging adjacent teeth. This continued pressure can destroy the

          healthy second molar tooth.

      3. Impacted teeth crowd adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing an

          incorrect bite or crooked teeth.

      4. A fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor forms, destroying surrounding

          structures such as bone or tooth-roots.

WHY REMOVE WISDOM TEETH EARLY?

People between the ages of 16 and 18 should have their wisdom teeth

evaluated. If they need to be removed, it should be considered before

age 18 when generally fewer complications occur. At a younger age, tooth

roots are not fully developed, the surrounding bone is softer and there

is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. There is

also less surgical risk.