Wisdom Teeth | Milford, CT
Wisdom teeth are often removed in the teens or early twenties. It is one of the most common oral surgeries performed, with over 5 million Americans having their wisdom teeth removed every year.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars in the back of the mouth. Most people get one on each of the top and bottom, left and right sides of the jaw, although not everyone gets all four. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
Earlier in our evolution, we needed these teeth to grind tough and fibrous foods. However, these teeth are no longer needed as our diets have changed over thousands of years. Our mouths are now smaller and often cannot accommodate them, leading to various dental health issues.
Common Issues Related to Wisdom Teeth
Because there is often not enough room in the back of the mouth for the teeth to properly emerge, there are many issues that can occur if the teeth are not removed, including:
Impaction
When there is not enough space, the teeth may be fully or partially trapped in the jawbone or gums.
Infection or Pericoronitis
A partially erupted tooth can create a pocket or flap of gum tissue where bacteria and food debris are trapped, leading to infection.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Pressure from the wisdom teeth can also crack the second molars or increase the risk of tooth decay.
Cysts
These fluid-filled sacs develop on the gums or around the teeth and can cause serious damage to the jawbone, tissues, and nerves.
The Importance of Evaluation
With an oral examination and digital imaging, Dr. Ciuci and Dr. Perrone can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Having your wisdom teeth evaluated between the ages of 16 and 25, before they have erupted, is essential to preventing complications and protecting your oral health.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Important reasons to have your wisdom teeth evaluated early include:
- Identifying impaction or infection early, before they cause serious damage.
- Allowing for earlier wisdom tooth removal, when the bone is less dense, the tooth roots are shorter, and removal is simpler.
- Scheduled extractions are less traumatic than waiting until you are in pain from a severe impaction, infection, or abscess.
- Patients in their teens and twenties heal more rapidly than older patients.
- There is less risk of damage to adjacent teeth if the wisdom teeth are extracted before they erupt.
When to Consider Seeing an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
If your dentist has indicated that you should have your wisdom teeth removed, an appointment with our office should be your next step. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who has undergone years of additional training in surgical techniques and anesthesia, making them experts in the complex procedures needed to remove wisdom teeth safely and efficiently, with minimal trauma.
Symptoms indicating you may need to see Dr. Ciuci or Dr. Perrone to have your wisdom teeth removed include:
- Persistent pain in the back of the mouth
- Tooth pain radiating to the ears or jaw.
- Pus discharge from the back of the mouth
- Swollen, tender gums
- Toothache
Call Milford Phone Number 203-874-1664 to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation.
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