5 Reasons Why Your Teen May Need Surgery

If you have a teenager – especially one who has had braces — the thought has probably crossed your mind before: wisdom teeth removal. “When will they need it, and how will I know?”

Wisdom teeth – also known as the third molars — are the teeth located furthest back in the mouth. They are the last teeth to erupt; with two located on the top, and two on the bottom of the mouth. When wisdom teeth align properly and the gum tissue is healthy, they don’t have to be removed. Unfortunately, this happens infrequently.

“In just about everyone – 98 percent of the population — you have 32 teeth, but a ‘size 28’ jaw,” explains Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Tony Urbanek, referring to the optimum number of teeth.

“Wisdom teeth need to be removed when the teeth are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth,” explains Dr. Urbanek, who has been removing wisdom teeth for more than 30 years in the Nashville and Franklin areas. “Sometimes they grow sideways, partially emerged from the gum and can even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone,” he adds.

As Dr. Urbanek explains in the above video, there are five primary reasons for having wisdom teeth removed:

 5 Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Are Not Wise:

  1. Damage, decay and bone loss to surrounding teeth – Wisdom teeth adjacent to the second molars can cause decay on the second molar where contact is made and the bone between the two teeth can be compromised, causing further damage.
  2. Infections – A partially exposed, but impacted wisdom tooth can get food and bacterial under the gum, yet above the tooth. It’s a difficult area to keep clean and can lead to infections.
  3. Teeth Crowding/Pain – Impacted wisdom teeth on the lower jaw can push on the anterior teeth causing the front teeth to be crowded and crooked. It can also cause pain.
  4. Cysts/Benign Tumors – These can form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing large sections of the jawbone and to be eaten away and requiring reconstructive surgery.
  5. Very rarely, cancer – Cancers form in areas around the wisdom teeth that are chronically infected, although it’s very rare.

About 5 million people each year have their wisdom teeth removed in the United States. Most of them are in their late teens to early twenties, which is known as the “age of wisdom,” hence the name. This age is considered ideal for removal because the roots of the teeth haven’t completely formed, which makes them easier to remove.

Wisdom teeth extraction is done on an outpatient basis. Recovery lasts just 48 to 72 hours –and your oral surgeon can help minimize any discomfort.

“It has been a pleasant experience to have my wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Urbanek.  I was very well informed of the exact things that would happen during and post extractions.  The insurance manager also very patiently helped us to understand all the cost coverage.  We will definitely recommend Dr. Urbanek to my family and friends.”

~S.V.

Click here to find out more about Dr. Urbanek. To follow his office on Facebook, click here.

Call (615) 771-1983 and mention this article for a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Tony Urbanek’s offices are conveniently located in Franklin, TN.