News

Wisdom Teeth

Your third molars are the last to erupt (break through the gums) in the mouth. These teeth are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth and “grow in” around the age of seventeen to twenty.

In many cases, wisdom teeth do not grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship, or have healthy gum tissue(s) around them. Often, wisdom teeth improperly erupt and are impacted (beneath the bone) requiring them to be surgically removed.

After a thorough clinical examination and radiological exam, Dr. Hopgood will determine if your teeth are impacted and whether extraction is advised. Impacted teeth commonly cause problems with crowding and can lead to infection, tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss, and although rare, can lead to follicle cysts and tumors.

If a wisdom tooth is interfering with your bite, is badly decayed, periodontally involved, or interfering with restored teeth adjacent to the wisdom tooth and is causing any discomfort, it is normally extracted without any negative consequences.

Symptoms of impacted teeth may be the following:

Discomfort to the back of the mouth
Infection in the mouth
Facial swelling and/or tenderness
Swelling along the gum line in the back of the mouth

Wisdom teeth, if problematic, are typically removed. Delaying removal of wisdom teeth can cause problems later in life, possibly causing bone loss, shifting, infection, and extreme discomfort.

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com