Removing non-erupted wisdom teeth?

I'm a 20-year-old with braces and wondering if I should get my wisdom teeth removed. I have a small jaw, so my wisdom teeth are impacted. The thing is none of them have emerged yet. Initially I thought about waiting until then, but I'm afraid of how this will affect my orthodontic-corrected teeth. Should I go through with the process (while I still have my braces on or wait until they're off)?





I'd also appreciate any info on this type of removal procedure, healing time period, and average cost.

Removing non-erupted wisdom teeth?
If none of them have emerged, and are never likely to emerge, then extractions are strictly not necessary. It is only when bacteria can get to the teeth that you will have problems like decay or gum infections. A partial emergence as Dr Sam shows above is a definite indication for removal.


Taking them out because of concerns that your other teeth will crowd up after braces is incorrect. Research shows that this does not occur as long as your other back teeth are well interdigitated. It is not unusual to see people with impacted wizzys at the back, but gappy teeth at the front.


There are also risks with taking out wizzys, such as general anaesthetic, bruising, bleeding, dry sockets, and even paraesthesia. Taking them out after the age of 30 increases the difficulty for the surgeon.


If you decide to have them out, then post-orthodontically would be the best time.


You need to discuss all the risks and benefits of either pathway for your particular case with your dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon.
Reply:I would see what your dentist says first. I had to have mine removed, before they ever reached the surface because the x-rays showed that they would come in slanted %26amp; push my perfect bottom teeth together. It didn't cost anything, because I have Dental Insurance. They prescribe you percocets afterwards though, which helps A LOT. I don't really remember, but mine took about a month for each side to heal (i had right side done, then left side after the other healed)
Reply:I have large wisdom teeth and like you I had braces, my dentist removed the teeth next to my wisdom teeth to make enough room for when they came through. I never had any problems.
Reply:Wait till they start to come up a little. It could be more painful than if they are already erupted.


It is also a bit more expensive, since they need to use more anesthetic.
Reply:I would ask your dentist or orthodontist.
Reply:Why remove a wisdom tooth?





http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/wizd... shows one reason. This is what can happen by the time you are 40 or 50 if you leave a wisdom tooth in place when it is impacted. The red arrows on the x-ray show the grey area that has decayed due to the wisdom tooth being present under the gum. The tooth shown is the exact same tooth shown in the x-ray, but turned so you can see the cavity. Food and bacteria can get down there and you can't clean it out. Eventually, it makes a cavity in the tooth next to the wisdom tooth and makes it so you have to have BOTH teeth removed.





For you, there is the additional consideration that the impacted wosdom teeth might ruin your orthodontic result. This is actually kind of a controversdy in dentistry, but I see no reason for you to be the one to "just wait and see" if the wisdom teeth will push your teeth back out of alignment.



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