Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent teeth to form and move into the mouth. Wisdom teeth will usually emerge at around 16 to 18 years of age and be fully developed by the age of 22 or 23.

In most cases, the jaws are not large enough to accommodate these teeth and therefore they remain under the gum. In this case, the wisdom teeth have become impacted. The term “impacted” describes a tooth that is not fully exposed in the mouth because it is covered by soft tissue or bone. This is due to an evolutionary trend to the large cranial (brain) size and smaller jaw limiting the space to accommodate the wisdom teeth.

Partially erupted teeth are considered to be impacted. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth can work their way down to the impacted wisdom teeth, frequently causing infection in the surrounding gums and bone. Repeated soreness around the wisdom teeth is often mistaken as an effort on the part of the wisdom teeth to erupt. This soreness, however, could be a sign of infection. Surrounding bone, tooth roots and adjacent teeth may be harmed if left untreated.  The constant pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can also damage adjacent teeth. You may not feel anything until significant damage has occurred. This pressure may also push other teeth out of line, possibly creating a need for orthodontic treatment.

Cavities can occur on wisdom teeth more often than other teeth because their location makes them difficult to clean. These cavities can spread to adjacent healthy teeth. These affected teeth along with the wisdom teeth may eventually require removal.

Even if you have no symptoms now, headaches, earaches, pain in the face, neck, throat and upper and lower teeth can occur if impacted wisdom teeth are not removed. Cysts can also develop around impacted wisdom teeth.  The sac or growth follicle that surrounds the developing wisdom teeth may remain when the teeth are impacted. This sack can fill with fluid and become cystic, destroying bone surrounding adjacent molars. In rare instances, if the cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop and more extensive procedures may be required for removal.

With the help of radiographs (X-Rays), we can frequently predict if the unerupted teeth will be problematic. Surgery is much simpler for younger patients than older patients as roots are not yet fully developed and bone is not as dense. As well, younger patients tend to heal more rapidly. The healing potential is highest prior to the age of thirty.