WISDOM TEETH
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth in the upper jaw and 16 teeth in the lower jaw. Most jaws can only fit 28 teeth in a healthy way. The four extra teeth that don’t fit are your third molars (3rds), also known as Wisdom Teeth. Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth.
16 years old is the perfect age for removing wisdom teeth
WHY DO WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED?
When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting, they are called impacted (see below). Impacted teeth are unable to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning. We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. With an oral examination and x-rays of the jaws, our doctors can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and help you decide whether or not they should be removed. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the early teenage years even before the teeth erupt into the mouth
WHAT ARE “IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH”?
There is a very small percentage of people who are able to have their wisdom teeth come in with no issues. Most people do not have the space for their wisdom teeth and they become impacted.
For oral surgeons, the most common procedure is removing impacted wisdom teeth.
When teeth are physically prevented from erupting (from some other tissue covering the tooth), they are considered to be impacted. Impacted teeth cannot erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning. Impaction occurs when the tooth is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, and prevents the tooth from fully erupting from the gums in a healthy position. This is a common problem affecting 75% of the population and can lead to other issues if the tooth remains untreated.
There are three common classifications of impactions. Soft Tissue, Partial Bony, and Complete Bony:
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process and creates cleaning problems, among others.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal. The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Failure to remove wisdom teeth can have many negative effects
- Intense Pain
- Infection
- Jawbone Damage
- Decay
- Alignment Issues
- Cysts
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP FOR GETTING WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?
If you live in Loveland, Greeley, or Fort Collins, the first step for having wisdom teeth removed is to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. At the consultation visit, our team will review your medical history and discuss any symptoms related to the wisdom teeth. You will view a video and discuss the risks and benefits of removing wisdom teeth, and decide on the type of anesthesia for the surgery. The procedure will be briefly discussed, and the post-operative instructions will be reviewed. The consent form must also be read and signed. The procedure is usually performed in our in-office surgical suites. All surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors have the training, licensing and experience to provide various types of anesthesia. If you undergo Intravenous (IV) Sedation or IV General Anesthesia, you will recover in our office for a period of time. Post-operative care will be discussed with you and your escort. You will be discharged to the care of your escort, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for one week.
Our doctors can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and help you decide whether or not they should be removed.
FINANCING AVAILABLE!
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
970.663.6878
WHY Reynolds oral and facial surgery?
Reynolds Oral and Facial Surgery is the best oral and facial surgery teams in the Loveland, Greeley, and Fort Collins area. With more than 20 years of experience and extensive training, we know what it takes to make sure your procedure runs smoothly. Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Gresehover have a keen eye for detail and strive to make sure to answer any questions you may have. Our team understands that medical procedures can be very nerve-racking experiences which is why we make sure you are comfortable and have the best experience possible. We also invest heavily in the most advanced surgical technology available ensuring you get the best results possible.
ADDITIONAL WISDOM TEETH INFORMATION
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.
