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The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen: sixteen teeth on
the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific
name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and
bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces
while the back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a
consistency suitable for swallowing.
However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful
when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other
teeth are your Third Molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
See animated image of Wisdom Teeth Impaction(pop-up)
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they
align properly, and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be
removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of
wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting
within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum,
or even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take
many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will
allow them to erupt successfully.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When
they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to
grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result - swelling, stiffness,
pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other
teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most
serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom
tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth.
Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these
problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and
to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Whittaker can
evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be
present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and
treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are
generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist,
orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to
maximize patient comfort. Dr. Whittaker has the training, license and
experience to provide various types of anesthesia to allow patients to
select the best alternative. These services are provided in an environment
of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff
experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Also see:
Orthognathic Surgery
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
Dental Implants
Minor/Major Bone Grafting
Oral Pathology
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