Brisbane Maxillofacial Surgery - Brisbane's Best Maxillofacial
Brisbane Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialist practice with a focus on surgery of the face, jaw and mouth.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molar teeth located at the very back of your mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 16 and 26, making them the last teeth to develop. While some people have no wisdom teeth at all, most individuals have between one and four, though some may even have more.
Historically, humans had much larger jaws, and wisdom teeth played an important role in helping us chew an unprocessed diet. However, as we have evolved, our jaws have become smaller, and we often no longer have adequate space for wisdom teeth to function properly as teeth.
Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
Many people do not have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to emerge normally. This can result in the teeth becoming impacted, meaning they become stuck against another tooth or trapped within the bone as they try to emerge into the mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth often do not come through the gum completely, or only partially emerge. This creates pockets where food can become trapped, leading to discomfort, infection, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.
When should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?
Even when wisdom teeth are not currently causing symptoms, examination and x-rays often reveal early signs of damage. Removal is typically recommended to reduce the risk of future problems.
Signs you may need Removal
- Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
- Recurring infections or swelling
- Food frequently getting trapped
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Cysts or tumors around impacted teeth
- Difficulty cleaning the area properly
Benefits of early Removal
- Prevents infection and pain
- Protects neighboring teeth from damage
- Reduces risk of cysts and bone loss
- Easier recovery in younger patients
- Prevents crowding of other teeth
- Avoids emergency situations
Early Detection is Important
If wisdom tooth problems are not identified and treated early, they can lead to more extensive surgery involving the surrounding bone and other teeth. Removal of impacted wisdom teeth is usually the best solution to reduce the risk of infection, pain, and damage to other teeth.