Center For Oral & Facial Surgery

Why You May Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to develop in your mouth and often erupt between ages 17 and 25. However, most adults have their wisdom teeth removed before they erupt or during the early stages of eruption.

The Problem with Wisdom Teeth

While adults normally have 32 permanent teeth, the average mouth is only designed to hold up to 28 teeth comfortably. This is because most adults do not have a large enough dental arch to support the proper eruption of their wisdom teeth. In fact, studies by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons state that approximately nine out of every ten individuals suffer from at least one impacted wisdom tooth.

Risk Factors Associated with Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth often require removal as they align improperly or grow in sideways, ultimately affecting the integrity and position of the adjacent teeth. Poorly erupting or impacted wisdom teeth also increase the risk of periodontal disease due to plaque and bacteria buildup that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing.

Reasons to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

Your oral surgeon may recommend tooth removal if your wisdom teeth are causing increased pressure, swelling, stiffness, abscesses, and pain. Removal of your wisdom teeth may also be necessary if the teeth are causing infections or are affected by cavities that cannot be restored.

The best way to determine if you require wisdom teeth removal is to undergo an examination with your San Diego oral surgeon. Here at the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, all of our oral surgeons are board certified and fully experienced in teeth removal. We also offer dental implants and bone grafting procedures. For more information on our services, visit our website or contact us at (619) 312-4417.

Understanding Bone Loss in the Jaw

Bone grafting is an oral surgery method designed to correct defects of the jaw and repair insufficient bone structure. While an experienced oral surgeon can determine if you require major bone grafting, it is important for patients to understand the causes and symptoms of bone loss in the jaw.

Causes of Bone Loss in the Jaw

Bone loss in the jaw bone may be caused by a number of factors. One reason for bone loss is periodontal disease, which occurs when plaque and bacteria extend below the gum line and lead to chronic inflammation. This inflammation slowly deteriorates the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. Teeth removal may also account for bone loss, as bone stimulation ends if an adult tooth is not replaced following removal. Low-cost or low-quality bridges and dentures may ride or rest on top of the gum tissue until they lead to deterioration or reabsorption of the jaw bone. Poor oral hygiene, lack of proper nutrition, smoking, and diabetes may all increase the risk of bone loss in the jaw as well.

Signs and Symptoms

Individuals suffering from early stages of jaw bone loss may not exhibit any obvious symptoms. However, signs of more serious bone loss include redness or bleeding of the gums, swelling around the teeth, receding gums, deep pockets between teeth, bad breath, and loosening of the teeth within their sockets.

Treatment Options

Bone grafting procedures can help to repair areas of insufficient jaw bone due to gum disease, injury, and previous tooth extractions. Your oral surgeon can perform bone grafting procedures to aid in tissue and jaw bone regeneration. This not only improves jaw bone density, but also increases an individual’s candidacy for the placement of dental implants.  

Learn more about your bone grafting options by consulting with your San Diego oral surgeon. Give the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery a call at (619) 312-4417 to set up an initial consultation. 

Educate Yourself About Tooth Loss Treatment And More

We have recently discussed the complications associated with impacted teeth and common questions about dental implants. You can discover additional information on these oral health topics with the links below. To find out more about the oral surgeries and treatments that we provide in our San Diego offices, call the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery today at (619) 312-4417.

• You can learn about the causes and complications of tooth impaction with this article from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

• To learn about dental abscesses, take a look at this article from the Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center.

• Find out about dental implants with this article from the Academy of Osseointegration.

• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides additional information on how dental implants are placed.

• For information about the advantages of dental implants, check out this article from the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness.

The Correlation Between Tooth Loss and Health Loss

Losing teeth is not simply a cosmetic problem—tooth loss can have implications for both your dental health and your overall health.

This video provides information about the connections between tooth loss and other health conditions. You can learn about a recent study that found that those who had lost teeth tended to eat an unhealthy diet. Check out this clip to learn how you can eat a healthy diet, even after tooth loss.

At the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, in San Diego and El Cajon, we provide dental implants that feel as sturdy as natural teeth, making it easier for you to maintain a healthy diet after tooth loss. To learn more, call us today at (619) 312-4417.

The Risks of Ignoring Impacted Teeth

If a tooth is blocked while in the process of erupting from the gums, it may only partially emerge. This condition, called impaction, often occurs with wisdom teeth and the maxillary cuspid teeth, or upper canines. Unfortunately, impacted teeth can lead to a number of complications. Continue reading to learn about the importance of having an impacted tooth treated right away:

Gum Abscess

It is possible for bacteria and food particles to become caught around an impacted tooth. This promotes infection within the gums which, if left untreated, can result in a pus-filled swelling called an abscess. A gum abscess can cause permanent damage to the jawbone.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is a condition that is caused by the accumulation of plaque along the gum line. This plaque can irritate the gums, causing inflammation and a separation of the gums from the teeth. An impacted tooth can quickly lead to gum disease, as plaque is easily caught within the impaction site.

Cyst Formation

Another dental problem that tooth impaction can lead to is the development of a cyst, or fluid-filled pocket, within the jawbone. A cyst may develop at the site of an untreated abscess or within the sac where the wisdom tooth formed. A cyst can cause damage to the surrounding bone, nerves, and teeth.

Damage to Nearby Teeth

When a tooth is impacted, it will continue to push against nearby teeth until it can fully emerge. The pressure that an impacted wisdom tooth can put on the second molar may make it more susceptible to infection. In addition, it is possible for other teeth to become crowded due to the pressure of the impacted tooth.

Seeking prompt treatment for an impacted tooth can help prevent these complications. To learn more about tooth impaction or the treatment options available, call the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery in San Diego today at (619) 312-4417.