However, in case their eruption is not possible, usually due to lack of necessary space in the given area of the jaw or incorrect direction of their eruption, these teeth remain enclosed or semi-enclosed, covered by bone and soft tissue in the area.
Impacted 3rd molars usually do not cause symptoms, however over time they may contribute to the development of osseous cysts or tumors. Semi-impacted 3rd molars are most often accompanied by symptoms due to caries of the same or adjacent tooth or due to the development of inflammation of the gums that cover them, a condition defined as pericoronitis. Sometimes it is recommended that these teeth should be removed for orthodontic reasons.
Wisdom teeth are classified according to their orientation and direction, depth of enclosure, angle and number of roots, as well as their proximity to adjacent anatomical elements, etc. All these characteristics are taken into account in order to assess the level of difficulty of their removal, the extraction technique to be applied, the anticipated duration of surgery and possible complications: all these elements must be evaluated and discussed with the patient.
The examination for the presence of 3rd molars and the evaluation for the necessity of their extraction takes place during adolescence, including clinical and radiographic examination usually with panoramic x-ray. The reason why it is recommended to extract wisdom teeth at this early age is because the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed, the jaw bone that surrounds them is more elastic in the younger individual. Consequently, the wound heals more easily and quickly, and thus the impact of the operation is less severe.
These teeth are surgically removed using a standard extraction technique depending on the characteristics of the each case, properly evaluated preoperatively by the Oral Surgeon. Usually the procedure, after reaching a sufficient depth of anesthesia, takes an average of 15 minutes and is completely painless. Regarding postoperative care, the patient will follow specific oral hygiene instructions for faster wound healing and avoidance of complications.