Early extraction of impacted wisdom teeth:
When it is recommended and for whom it is suitable
There are wisdom teeth that function normally, but on the other hand there are many wisdom teeth that in their presence endanger the adjacent teeth and the health of the jaws, so there is no escape from removing them.
Despite the prevalence of wisdom tooth extractions there is no doubt that this is a complex and dangerous operation that requires skill and experience on the part of the surgeon, and cooperation on the part of the patient, for there are many complications that accompany these extractions.
One of the more serious complications of extracting an impacted wisdom tooth is damage to the mandibular nerve that gives the sensation to the lower lip and teeth. While experience and skill can reduce the chance of complications following treatment - there is no way to completely avoid them.
In our clinic we advocate prevention, so we recommend estimating wisdom teeth as early as age 14 or 15 with the help of panoramic xray.
Although at this age the wisdom teeth are still in their infancy stage, but they are sufficiently developed so that we can estimate their angle relative to the adjacent teeth, the chances of the tooth erupting, and the future position of the nerve relative to the tooth roots.
In cases where there is a high probability that the roots will approach the nerve - early extraction of the wisdom teeth is recommended.
The benefits of preventive extraction of wisdom teeth:
-
Safer treatment - as the likelihood of nerve damage after the treatment is low
-
Healing abilities are better the younger the patient
-
Early treatment prevents the infections, pains and damage to the adjacent teeth