Lake Nona Wisdom Teeth Removal
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity. They are the final teeth to develop, usually between 16-19 years of age. However, as is often the case, many wisdom teeth do not develop properly or have sufficient space to erupt into the mouth, causing issues to the adjacent teeth and the surrounding tissues. Our Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Terezides, frequently sees patients with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth for evaluation and management.
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is submerged under gum tissue or bone and unable to erupt into its correct position in the dental arch. Based on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in a few different ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue. If a wisdom tooth remains partially or completely obstructed by bone, itโs known as either a partial or full bony impaction.
Impacted wisdom teeth can potentially cause many problems and may need to be removed when they are the source of:
- Pain
- Infection
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Gum disease
- Extensive tooth decay
Scientific literature supports and our surgeons advocate for the early removal of problematic or potentially problematic wisdom teeth in teenagers and young adults. Among the many reasons for this approach is that extractions at this stage of life are usually simpler and patients typically experience a shorter recovery time and are at a much lower risk for complications.
Beyond the age of 40, elective removal of any remaining wisdom teeth is not always necessary or recommended unless they are causing pain, have become infected, or have other diseases/pathologies associated with them. Whatever the case may be, patients of all ages can rely on the expertise of Dr. Terezides as well as the evaluation and treatment recommendations for developing, impacted or erupted wisdom teeth. Our Lake Nona oral and maxillofacial surgery experts also specialize in Lake Nona dental implants.
