Wisdom Teeth in North County San Diego (Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside, Encinitas, San Marcos, Escondido)

Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to erupt into the mouth (usually between 15-30 years of age). They create countless problems in most patients during, and after development. In general, we prefer to avoid the high risks of delayed surgery (see below), by advocating for early intervention. Our jaws typically are not large enough to accommodate these teeth; as a result, they may create serious complications (being blocked from entering the mouth, causing periodontal bone loss and gum disease, infections, movement of other teeth, decay, cyst development, loss of other permanent teeth and more).

Cavities may develop on other permanent teeth, due to poor hygiene, and impossible to maintain. Delaying wisdom teeth extraction also increases risks of damage to the nerve below their roots. Because they don’t always fully erupt into the mouth, sometimes the tissue around them becomes enlarged, forming cysts or tumors.

So many future problems may be minimized or avoided altogether, by early intervention. Most patients enjoy the greatest benefits of early intervention between the ages of 14-25, while the roots are still forming. Come meet us to learn about your individual case and the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed! Recovering from wisdom teeth surgery is so much easier for our younger patients.

Crowding of front teeth is commonly associated with insufficient space in the jaw. When wisdom teeth have limited space to enter the mouth, they push against the other teeth, causing higher rates of decay, poor hygiene, crowding and infections. Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is very important, but having wisdom teeth removed usually helps decrease pressure and movement of teeth as well.

We strongly encourage patients to come in for an evaluation around age 15, even if they aren’t having symptoms, to determine the best time for wisdom teeth removal. Patients who wait to have these teeth removed when they are older tend to experience the following: lengthy recovery, increased rate of infection, damage to other teeth, injury to the sinus or lower jaw nerve, and bone spurs.

Pericoronitis - infection of the gums (in this diagram, due to an impacted wisdom tooth). In addition to pain from the infection, the cheek usually swells, and becomes very easy to bite.

Most patients prefer to be asleep (sedated) while they undergo this procedure. Please refer to the sleep dentistry/IV sedation (link at top of page) to learn more about sedation. Under sedation, the procedure only takes about 45 minutes.

Abnormal cyst development in the mandible (lower jaw) around wisdom teeth.

 

Flushing sockets of wisdom teeth