Long after our primary (baby) teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, we get third molars - a set of four permanent teeth which come in behind the upper and lower 12-year molars.  Third molars are called "wisdom" teeth because they generally erupt between 17 and 21 years of age, when we reach adulthood.

The removal of impacted wisdom teeth and surgical extraction of teeth is quite different from the extraction of erupted teeth. Postoperative problems are not unusual, and extra care must be taken to avoid complications. Click here to find out what is considered normal.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Cyst caused by and impacted wisdom tooth could damage the nerve and/or cause jaw fracture

When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these teeth, they can become impacted - unable to come in or move into their proper place-.  They may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Impaction occurs most often in the third molars of the lower jaw.  After examining your mouth and taking X-rays, we will discuss whether your wisdom teeth should be removed.

It is important to know that the procedure is usually done with local anestesia, in one hour or less and that you need to take off work or school for some days. Sedation is available in our offices to control anxiety.

See a one minute wisdom tooth surgery video in one of our patients here