Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not bring wisdom. As a matter of fact, because the skull and jaw of modern man is much smaller than that of our ancestors, most people do not have enough room for wisdom teeth, or third molars. It is for this reason that wisdom teeth present so many problems.

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. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and 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 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. Steadman can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation (generally in the mid-teenage years) and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Steadman 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.

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