Should Your Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Dr. Kyle Hornby

My name is Kyle Hornby and I am a Dentist in Kitchener-Waterloo. Each week I tackle common dental topics to raise the bar on dental health knowledge available to the public. My overall goal is to help patients to need less treatment so they can save money on annual dental fees. This week, I'd like to discuss wisdom tooth removal or (wisdom tooth extraction) and when it's necessary.

It has become increasingly common over the past 50 years or so for Dentists to recommend removal of 3rd molars or "wisdom teeth". In most cases this recommendation is "prophylactic" meaning treatment prevents future negative effects on your health. Some individuals have their wisdom teeth and do not have problems with them. So, why then, is it so common for Dentists to recommend removal of 3rd molars? Below, I hope to provide you with "VIP access" to the Dentist's thought process when recommending wisdom tooth extraction.

In many cases, wisdom teeth don't have enough space to properly erupt. Lower wisdom teeth, in particular, must "squeeze" between 2nd molars in front of them and dense jawbone behind them. To make things worse, the lower jaw curves upward dramatically in the area of the wisdom teeth (see x-ray above near the red illumination). For most people, their 3rd molars are "stuck" in a partially erupted position. In this position, only a small portion of the tooth is visible through the gums. The rest of the tooth is often submerged under the gums and surrounded by deep gum pockets that collect harmful food, plaque and bacteria. This places the patient at an increased risk of tooth decay and soft tissue infection.

Impacted wisdom teeth Kitchener

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is unable to fully erupt. This is commonly due to obstruction from an adjacent tooth or jawbone. The most common type of impaction results in a tooth partially covered by gum tissue. The result is a tooth that is very difficult to properly clean.

Most patients are concerned about what they might feel with an impacted wisdom tooth. Others ask about potential damage to adjacent teeth. Here are some of the possible consequences of long-term wisdom tooth impaction:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms & Consequences
  • feeling of intense pressure +/- pain from the area behind 2nd molars
  • pus draining from the gums around an impacted wisdom tooth
  • swelling around or under the corner of the jaw
  • pain or cavities/decay related to the back wall of the 2nd molar
  • pain or cavities/decay in the wisdom teeth
  • shifting of teeth and a corresponding change in the way your "bite" feels
  • formation of aggressive cysts and abnormalities around unerupted 3rd molars
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

Removal of impacted 3rd molars is carried out either prophylactically or as an emergency procedure when infection develops. There are 2 main reasons why Dentists recommend 3rd molar extraction early in teenage years (and before related problems arise).

The first is that, between 12-16, wisdom tooth roots are early in their development. These roots are small and far away from major nerves and arteries. Waiting to extract these teeth until further in development increases the risk of post-operative nerve damage. The second reason for early prophylactic removal is that you maintain more jawbone during healing. Patients who wait until there 30s or 40s to remove wisdom teeth typically experience significant bone loss and recession behind there 2nd molars. This leads to root exposure and intense temperature sensitivity. Patients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction in there teenage years do not typically have this same experience.

Is it possible that you keep your wisdom teeth against your Dentist's recommendation and end up okay? ABSOLUTELY. As Dentists, we make recommendations based on the likelihood of a given outcome. However, there are no "crystal balls" in Dentistry. Patients can enjoy significant late-phase jaw growth and, suddenly, their wisdom teeth are free to erupt into optimal position. The most important thing is that you understand risks (if any) associated with maintaining your wisdom teeth and that you play an active role in decisions about your own health.

Who Provides Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Kitchener?

oral surgeon Kitchener

In most cases, an Oral Surgeon provides wisdom tooth extraction. Some Dentists have undertaken special surgical training to provide wisdom tooth extraction as a service to their patients. It is important to discuss specifics surrounding wisdom tooth removal with your Family Dentist. Importantly, there is a wide array of sedation options available to you for the procedure. I also encourage you to ask your Family Dentist if they provide impacted wisdom tooth extraction. The benefit of having a capable Family Dentist who can remove your wisdom teeth is that you can avoid elevated fees associated with specialist treatment.

For a wisdom tooth assessment, please call us today at (519) 576-8160 to arrange a specific exam or 2nd opinion consult with Kitchener Dentist Dr. Kyle Hornby.

Written by Dr. Kyle Hornby, Kitchener Dentist

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition or treatment.

Enjoy a fresh start.
Schedule Your Appointment Today.

Our Kitchener Dentist is currently accepting new patients. If you’re ready for a down-to-earth dental office where you are the priority, give us a call today!
Kitchener Family Dentist
Are you looking for a Dentist in Kitchener who is accepting new patients?

With our convenient location, we truly are a Family Dentist near you! Our Dental Clinic Team proudly provides excellent dental care to families and individuals from Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Breslau and other nearby communities. Emergency dental care is available upon request!

OFFICE HOURS

  • Monday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM - 7:00PM
  • Wednesday 12:00PM - 7:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Friday 9:00AM - 6:00PM

OUR LOCATION

Google Map
77 Water Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 5A6

Kitchener Family Dentistry

Waterloo Family Dentistry

Breslau Family Dentistry

Copyright © 2020 | Powered by Enamel Republic

Designed & Developed by Dental Marketing Guy