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DO ALL WISDOM TEETH NEED TO COME OUT?
No!
If you ever meet a dentist who says all wisdom teeth must be extracted, proceed cautiously! Let’s review situations in which third molars (wisdom teeth) should be extracted.
First, some background information. The average age for completion of eruption of wisdom teeth is 20 years, but eruption can continue to age 25 years in some patients. When the wisdom teeth in the lower jaw are forming they are laying horizontally and as the jaw grows the teeth naturally become upright. Failure of the tooth to rotate upward is the most common cause of impaction. The next most common cause is if the front to back space in the jaw is inadequate for the size of the tooth. Some males who are growing into their early 20’s may have teeth that upright at age 25. Early removal of wisdom teeth reduces postoperative complications and allows for the best healing. Young patients recover faster and with less pain. So, what are some situations in which wisdom teeth should be removed?
- Prevention of periodontal disease in the tooth next to the impacted wisdom tooth (second molar); the earlier the extraction the better the bone healing
- Prevention of cavities in the second molar and wisdom tooth when a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially impacted
- Prevention of pericoronitis, an infection of the soft tissue around the crown of a partially impacted tooth
- Prevention of root resorption on the adjacent tooth from the pressure of the wisdom tooth
- Preparing for a dental prosthesis such as a denture
- Prevention of cysts and tumors; cysts and tumors can grow to enormous sizes requiring the removal of a significant portion of the jaw
- Facilitation of orthodontic treatment
Wisdom teeth that are causing pain or difficulty cleaning surely need a thorough examination. While there are good reasons for the removal of some wisdom teeth, remember, many patients can keep all 32 of their teeth. Talk to your dentist about the condition and development of your wisdom teeth. The best x-ray to view the status of all 4 wisdom teeth is the panorex.
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.