Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically appear between the ages of 16 and 25 years. If there is sufficient space for the wisdom teeth to erupt normally and be correctly positioned, they can be easily cleaned and therefore do not cause problems. 

However, it is far more common for wisdom teeth to erupt partially, sideways, in the wrong direction or in a manner that makes it challenging to clean them properly. The pockets formed between the wisdom tooth and adjacent molar tooth creates a space where food gets trapped. These pockets cannot be reached by the toothbrush or dental floss, making them impossible to clean, leading to bacteria build-up and decay of the wisdom tooth or the adjacent molar. Sometimes, the adjacent molar may be so badly decayed that it needs root canal treatment to restore it. It may even need to be extracted if the tooth cannot be salvaged. Other risks include inflammation of the surrounding gum and infection. More serious complications such as cysts and tumours can also be caused by impacted wisdom teeth. 

What are common wisdom tooth complications? 

•  Mesial impaction
• Mesial Impaction with Pericoronitis

• Horizontal Impaction
• Distal Impaction

• Crowding of Teeth
• Erosion Cavity

• Bone Cyst

What is the difference between wisdom tooth extraction and surgery?

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A fully erupted wisdom tooth can be removed by wisdom tooth extraction, a procedure where the tooth is taken out after local anaesthesia has been administered to numb the area. This process is fairly straightforward. 

Wisdom Tooth Surgery

An impacted wisdom tooth may partially emerge (partially impacted), showing only the crown of the tooth, or not emerge through the gums at all (fully impacted). The wisdom tooth may also grow at an angle towards or away from the second molar, or grow at a right angle, almost as if it is “lying” down.  

For an impacted wisdom tooth, the removal process is more complicated as a surgical procedure is required to remove the tooth. The process would involve lifting the overlying gums to uncover the tooth and removing some surrounding bone in order to take out the tooth. Often, the tooth needs to be sectioned and removed in pieces. The gums are then sutured back in place. Wisdom tooth removal surgery is usually done under local anesthesia. It can also be done under sedation or general anesthesia if preferred.

What investigations are needed?

To determine the course of treatment for your wisdom tooth removal, a panoramic x-ray of your mouth is needed to check the wisdom teeth’s alignment and condition. The dentist will then advise you accordingly. In cases where the wisdom tooth lies close to the underlying nerve or other vital structures, a three–dimensional cone beam CT image may be required to plan for safe surgery.