Wisdom teeth are no different to other molars( back teeth), that start erupting after we turn 6 years old. They are the molars that come last, usually in the late teens or early 20s. Wisdom teeth can be a blessing, if one of the other molars is not well developed like in MIH( Molar Incisor Hypoplasia) or if other teeth need to be removed since they can replace them.
In our evolution the size of the jaws is decreasing, leaving at times not enough room for wisdom teeth to come through. Resulting in a wisdom tooth that erupt at an angle
, pushing into the gum or the tooth beside it. This is called impaction. A wisdom tooth on an angle can’t help with chewing, which makes it useless and sometimes painful when bacteria manage to establish themselves around it and cause an abscess. This is usually the reason why so many need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Dr. Kaufman has much experience in the removal of wisdom teeth, done under local anaesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, deep vein sedation and general anaesthesia. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to have the condition of the wisdom teeth examined.
It is important to check the presence and position of the wisdom teeth at the age of 15 to 17 years old to find out if they are likely to cause problems. This is part of our comprehensive periodical exam. Frequently patients come to see me only when they are in pain, to aid them I have purchased the latest ultrasonic surgical system which is much better than the previously used drills. It allows for the immediate removal of the wisdom teeth, which many times is the only solution.