Typically, wisdom teeth are the last four teeth to erupt in the mouth. More often than not, wisdom teeth fail to erupt the gum line and become impacted, thus requiring surgery in order to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted are usually difficult to clean and susceptible to tooth decay, infections, and even gum disease. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed by the time a patient is a young adult to prevent future problems and ensure healing.
Wisdom teeth can cause swelling, pain, decay and infection. As a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future, removal should be considered.
the Doctor will want to check the status of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. X-rays will probably be taken in order to highlight any deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. After this examination by the Doctor, you will be made aware of the best options for your particular case.
Don’t worry. Removing wisdom teeth is a very common and routine procedure nowadays, generally performed under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia. Most often, you will be released same day with postoperative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.