Yedi Eylül Mahallesi, İzmir Bulvarı No 31/15, Efeler/Aydın, Turkey
IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH
IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH
Wisdom teeth are often complicated to extract, therefore need to be
examined by a maxillofacial surgeon. Negligence and delaying the
examination make the extraction more difficult. The fact that it does
not cause a discomfort does not mean that the extraction is not
required. Depending on the depth and the positon of the impacted
wisdom teeth, infection in the gingiva, bad breath, caries in itself or
in the adjacent tooth, and resorption at the roots of the adjacent
tooth may occur. Most of the time, it prevents orthodontic treatment
with its eruption or causes the treatment to be halted. Since it has
been shown that impacted teeth may cause cyst and tumor
formation, all impacted teeth that are not planned to be extracted
should be checked radiographically every 6 months.
When should wisdom teeth be extracted?
The most suitable time for wisdom teeth to be extracted is when 2/3
of the roots are formed. In some patients that’s at the age of 15-16,
in some patients over the age of 20. Therefore, we decide whether it
is early for tooth extraction or not, according to the development
level of the roots by taking a radiograph. Waiting for the eruption of
impacted wisdom teeth often leads to other problems. Due to the
eruption movement of the wisdom teeth and their attempt to make
space for themselves may cause crowding of the anterior teeth and it
will not correct itself after the extraction. In cases where the wisdom
tooth is in contact with the root of the neighbouring tooth and that
root resorbs, it may be necessary to treat the adjacent tooth or
extract that tooth, depending on the amount of the damage.
Common Mistakes
“My wisdom tooth didn't erupt, so I don't need to have it extracted.”
FALSE
Waiting for the wisdom tooth to erupt makes the extraction difficult
and it may damage the neighbouring tooth, also. TRUE
If we wait for the wisdom teeth to erupt, the immune system will be
stronger and the extraction will be easier to recover from. FALSE
As age progresses, the bone becomes more calcified and harder. The
extraction becomes more difficult and the healing potential of
patients decreases. TRUE
"I am having orthodontic treatment; my wisdom teeth do not need to
be extracted." FALSE
When wisdom teeth are extracted during orthodontic treatment, it
may help tooth movement and shorten the treatment process. If the
extraction is postponed after the end of orthodontic treatment,
crowding may occur again with the force of the wisdom teeth to
erupt and make space for themselves. TRUE
“My wisdom teeth never erupted, they did not cause any complaints.
No further treatment is required.” FALSE
Wisdom teeth have the potential to form cysts and tumors. All
impacted teeth should be followed up periodically by taking
radiographs. TRUE