Should My Daughter's Impacted Wisdom Tooth Be Removed? Expert Advice Needed

Issues related to wisdom tooth extraction?

Hello, Doctor Zeng: My daughter is 21 years old, and her wisdom teeth have only partially erupted and have not continued to grow.
The wisdom teeth are not growing in a straight position, but they are not horizontal yet.
When she went for a dental cleaning, the dentist mentioned that if they do not erupt within six months, extraction would be recommended.
Now that six months have passed, the wisdom teeth still have not erupted.
Doctor, do you think these unerupted wisdom teeth need to be extracted? Will the extraction be difficult? If the lower wisdom teeth are extracted, should the upper wisdom teeth also be removed? Can a general dental clinic perform the extraction, or is it necessary to go to a major hospital for wisdom tooth removal? Thank you for your response!

Lin Tai Tai, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/07/28

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

1.
If you are already 21 years old and your wisdom tooth has only partially erupted, it may be angled improperly and pressing against the second molar in front.
This could lead to difficulties in cleaning the space between the teeth, resulting in cavities or acute gingivitis.
Therefore, it is recommended to extract the impacted wisdom tooth.

2.
If the lower wisdom tooth is extracted and there is no opposing tooth in the upper arch, the upper wisdom tooth may continue to grow and potentially become misaligned.
Thus, if the lower wisdom tooth is removed, it is advisable to also consider the extraction of the upper wisdom tooth.
3.
If the misalignment is not severe, a general dental clinic can typically handle the situation.
However, if the misalignment is significant, it is recommended to seek treatment from an oral and maxillofacial surgery department at a major hospital.

Reply Date: 2014/07/28

More Info

When considering whether your daughter's impacted wisdom tooth should be removed, there are several factors to take into account. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, and their growth can vary significantly from person to person. In your daughter's case, the fact that her wisdom tooth has only partially erupted and has not continued to grow raises some important considerations.

Firstly, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of dental issues. If a wisdom tooth is unable to fully emerge due to lack of space or misalignment, it can become trapped beneath the gum line. This condition can lead to pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. In some cases, the pressure from an impacted tooth can cause crowding of the other teeth, which may necessitate orthodontic treatment in the future.
The recommendation from your dentist to monitor the situation for six months is a common approach. If the tooth has not erupted further during this time, it may be prudent to consider extraction. The dentist's advice to remove the tooth if it remains impacted is based on the potential for complications that can arise from leaving it in place.
Regarding the extraction process, the difficulty of the procedure can vary. If the tooth is only partially erupted and is not positioned horizontally, the extraction may be relatively straightforward. Most general dentists are equipped to perform wisdom tooth extractions, especially if the tooth is not severely impacted. However, if the tooth is deeply embedded or if there are complications, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for the procedure.

As for whether both the upper and lower wisdom teeth should be removed, this decision often depends on the specific circumstances of each tooth. If the upper wisdom tooth is healthy and not causing any issues, it may not need to be extracted. However, if the lower wisdom tooth is impacted and poses a risk of complications, it may be advisable to remove both to prevent future problems.

In summary, while it is not always necessary to remove an impacted wisdom tooth, it is often recommended to avoid potential complications. Consulting with your dentist about the specific condition of your daughter's wisdom tooth will provide the best guidance. If extraction is deemed necessary, a general dentist can typically handle the procedure unless there are complicating factors that warrant a referral to an oral surgeon. Regular dental check-ups and open communication with your dental care provider will ensure that your daughter's oral health is managed effectively.

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