Ask the Expert
Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when young
teeth can cause damage to other teeth and form cysts or infection inside the mouth. A cyst or tumor can cause damage to the bone, nerves and other structures. Once there is disease inside the mouth, the problem becomes persistent and progressive. Infections can spread from the mouth through the bloodstream and cause damage to other body organs. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends that an expert evaluate third molars during young adulthood in order to assess their presence and signs of disease and to sug- gest a plan of action. The plan may involve removing the wisdom teeth or leaving them alone for now and continuing to monitor the teeth. If there is impaction, infection, periodontal disease, cavities, cysts, tumors or damage to other teeth, it’s time to remove the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are easier to remove
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when young because the roots are not completely formed, the jaw is softer and there is less chance of damaging surrounding teeth, nerves and gums. A dentist or oral surgeon removes most wisdom teeth. Sometimes local numbing medicine is all it takes to remove the teeth, while other situations require intravenous sedation or even general anesthesia. Who does it and how it’s done are decided based on the young adult’s age and the condition of the wisdom teeth. Removing the teeth when there are no indications to do so is generally not done. However, if the wisdom teeth are causing any trouble whatsoever, see your dentist or oral sur- geon and make a plan to get them out.
Ann Petersen-Smith, PhD, APRN, CPNP- PC, CPNP-AC, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medi- cal Campus College of Nursing.
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