Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal

“Wisdom Teeth” is the common name applied to our third molars. Third molar teeth erupt into the mouth between the age of 17 to 25 years of age, however this may also occur much later in life.

Third molars often become “impacted”, meaning they will not erupt normally into the mouth. Impactions may occur if the teeth are too large to fit into the mouth, or if the angulation of the teeth is not favourable to erupt into their correct position.

Erupting third molars are often associated with pain and infection. As these teeth erupt into the mouth, if their passage is blocked for any reason, the gum overlying the tooth will become inflamed and often infected. Removal of the erupting tooth may be the only way to eliminate the cause of the infection.

Most common reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal:

• Insufficient space in the jaws for the teeth to erupt.
• Decay in the erupting tooth.
• Infection of the surrounding gum
• Impaction of the wisdom tooth with the adjacent teeth