Wisdom teeth

If the crown of the third molar is abutting (touching) onto the root of the 2nd molar, it can cause resorption of the 2nd molar roots and eventually loss of the 2nd molar.

Part of the maturation process of the tooth includes root development. The crown of a tooth is the tooth surface that you see in the mouth and the roots are the part in the bone. As the roots get larger, they can grow and wrap around the nerve inside the jaw. This nerve is called that inferior alveolar nerve and gives sensation to the lower lip, chin and cheek. When the nerve is touching or entangled in the root, it has a high risk of injury that can lead to permanent numbness of the lower lip, chin and cheek. It is best to remove the tooth before the roots get longer and reside in the close proximity to the nerve.   

Impacted teeth can have associated with cysts and tumors. Cysts and tumor can arise from the shell that surround the tooth when it is impacted (inside the bone) and these cysts and tumors can eat up the surrounding bone. The common cysts and tumors include dentigerous cyst, keratinizing odontogenic tumor, ameloblastoma and many more. These lesions can be devastating and in some cases lead to jaw fractures and may require procedures to remove part the jaw. Prevented by the removal of wisdom teeth at a younger age is recommended.

Extraction at an early age lowers the risk of nerve injury. The best time to take them out is when the roots are not fully grown and they are far away from the nerve.

As we get older our body has less capacity to regenerate bone. If the 2nd molar root is exposed after the extraction, the extraction socket may not fill with bone. This can lead to chronic gum disease. Studies have shown that bone healing is superior and more predictable at a younger age.

We recommend removing wisdom teeth at an early age to minimize your risk and have optimal healing. Song Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in wisdom teeth removal. 

If your wisdom teeth roots are wrapped around the nerve, removing the entire tooth may leave you with injury to the nerve resulting in numbness of the lip, chin and cheek that maybe temporary or permanent. In order to reduce the risk, here at Song Oral Surgery, we offer patients a procedure called coronectomy or partial tooth removal that lowers the risk of nerve injury. Part of the tooth is removed leaving the root intact. The root will either move up away from the nerve allowing the removal to be safe or bone will grow over the root allowing the back of the second molar to be kept hygienic. Song Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in wisdom teeth removal. Ask Dr. Song and Dr. Um if coronectomy is the right procedure for you.

 

The first visit is a consultation with your surgeon. Song Oral and maxillofacial surgeons will make an assessments through clinical and radiographic examination. Wisdom teeth surgery can be performed under Local anesthesia, laughing gas or sedation. The risks, benefits and alternatives of the surgery are discussed in depth and Song Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can answer your questions prior to the procedure. Please see the section of IV sedation for further information

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Song Oral Surgery.