23
Jul
WISDOM TEETH- DO THEY NEED TO GO?
Many people believe that getting your wisdom teeth removed is a necessary rite of passage. Is this true and why do so many people have their wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually erupt into the mouth between the ages of 17 and 21. They are called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age. Some people have enough room in their jaws for the wisdom teeth to erupt normally and function properly like their other teeth. However, if there isn’t enough space wisdom teeth can lead to problems. If the wisdom teeth are impacted it means they are trapped under the gums or in the bone. If this is the case the following can happen:
- Food can get trapped increasing the chance of a cavity
- Flossing can become more difficult increasing the chance of gum disease
- Neighboring teeth can get crowded or damaged
- An impacted tooth can result in a cyst that can damage bone
Every patient is different, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed if there is evidence of the following changes in the mouth:
- Pain
- Infection
- Cyst
- Tumor
- Cavities
- Gum Disease
Just because 1 wisdom tooth is causing a problem does not mean that all of them need to be removed. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to evaluate your wisdom teeth and overall oral health.
Share this Article
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.