Wisdom teeth are your third molars—typically the last teeth to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four, but not everyone has enough space in their mouth to accommodate them properly.
Types of Impactions:
- Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge due to lack of space or poor positioning. There are three common types:
- Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth is covered by gum tissue but hasn’t erupted into the mouth.
- Partial Bony Impaction: Part of the tooth has erupted, but a portion remains trapped in the jawbone.
- Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is fully encased in bone and does not erupt at all.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can lead to serious oral health issues, including:
- Infection and inflammation
- Crowding of adjacent teeth
- Cysts or damage to nearby bone or nerves
- Difficulty cleaning, leading to decay and gum disease.
We often recommend proactive removal during the late teens or early twenties—when the roots are not fully developed and recovery is faster.
What to Expect: The Recovery Process
Day of Surgery: You’ll be sedated for comfort and safety. The procedure typically takes under an hour.
First 3 Days: Swelling and mild discomfort are common. Ice packs and medication help manage this.
By Day 7: Most patients return to normal activities.
2 Weeks: Full healing of soft tissue is usually complete.
Recovery is smoother in younger patients and when removal is done before complications arise.