Intro
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
How it works
For many people there is inadequate space in the jaws to allow their wisdom teeth to erupt normally. These are the last teeth to come through and hence if there is not enough space, then these teeth can remain beneath the gum entirely, or as is more commonly the case, they can become stuck (or impacted) in a “partially erupted” position. A tooth that has not come through in the correct position or alignment, is generally very difficult to clean. As with any tooth that is hard to clean properly, inflammation and infection can develop around it, or decay can occur within the hard tooth structure itself. Both infection and decay cause pain, and hence many people seek treatment to relieve this.
However, not all people who have impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth need to have them removed. This is discussed on an individual basis, following a clinical and radiographic (x-ray) exam.
Wisdom teeth are only ever removed if there is an obvious benefit to the patient in doing so. Such benefits would include preventing pain, decay and infection that are already present, or such symptoms that appear to be developing. However, there are risks associated with the procedure and hence all aspects need to be thoroughly considered prior to progressing with treatment.
