Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are typically known as third molars.   They are the last teeth to develop and are located behind the second molars. They derive their name from the time they normally appear, which is usually during the late teens or early twenties, which has been called the age of wisdom. Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they grow in completely and are functional, painless, cavity-free, disease-free and in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen.  The worst thing to do is IGNORE your Wisdom Teeth!

Most Fresno patients do not have enough room in their jaw for these teeth. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When a wisdom tooth is blocked from erupting into the mouth in its normal position, it is termed impacted. Research has shown that nine out of ten people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth resulting from a lack of space. Impacted teeth can lead to a multitude of problems which include pain, infection, crowding, or injury to adjacent teeth, difficulty maintaining hygiene, as well as possible cyst formation around the wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth are classified as either completely impacted, partially impacted, or soft tissue impacted, depending on their position within the jaws and gum tissue.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation (OMSF) have conducted an extensive research project to assess every aspect of third molar/wisdom tooth surgery. Their findings strongly suggest that wisdom teeth should be removed by the time the patient is a young adult. It is preferable to assess and if needed, remove wisdom teeth before they become symptomatic. As wisdom teeth develop, their roots become longer and more fully formed and the jawbones become denser, thereby making their surgical removal more difficult. As a patient grows older, it becomes more challenging to surgically remove wisdom teeth.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth in Fresno

If you are experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth or would like to know if you are a candidate for widom tooth removal, please call our oral surgery office in Frenso, Ca.  A member of our staff will schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Rahn or Dr. Curiel at your earliest convenience.  

 

Office Phone: (559) 435-7993