For information about wisdom teeth, please refer to "Impacted wisdom tooth" of "Oral Problem".

Many years ago, humans ate a much more fibrous, unrefined diet. We needed a broad chewing surface to help break this diet into small particles to be swallowed. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, were part of this large chewing surface. Our diet has changed, and our jaws have become smaller. Many people still develop wisdom teeth, but there is not enough room in the mouth for them to erupt. If there is room for them to come in, no treatment is required.

When wisdom teeth are present in the mouth they are very difficult to keep clean because they are so far back. This can lead to periodontal disease and other problems including infection and cavities. Sometimes wisdom teeth don't erupt properly, and can cause teeth to shift and may even cause infection and pain in the gums and jaw!

It depends on your specific case. When we are young and our jaws are still growing, dentists/orthodontists can work with our growth to straighten the teeth without extraction. But once we are adults, dentists are limited to what is already in place. If your orthodontist recommends extraction, it may be wise to get at least one more (if not two more) opinions before going through with the procedure -- once the teeth are gone, they're gone! Your teeth and jaw help to shape your face.

This varies from patient to patient, and depends on many factors that can be discussed at the initial exam appointment.

Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. New technology has provided advanced orthodontic techiniques that greatly reduce the need for removing any teeth.

SCIREX oral surgeons will typically remove up to two wisdom teeth at one time (one bottom and one top on the same side). For some studies three to four wisdom teeth may be removed, but these studies are less common. You may, however, call us back and re-screen for another dental study, 30 days after you complete the first study, provided one is available, and have your other two wisdom teeth removed if you qualify.

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary.

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For our growing patients Dr. Henderson will generally have a feel for this when the braces are removed. New x-rays are taken at this time to evaluate the status of the wisdom teeth. For the majority of our patients the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth is from age 14 to 16. For some patients the wisdom teeth have adequate space and do not need to be removed.

Every person is biologically unique. Dr Marshall’s approach is to treat without extractions whenever possible. To see a patient first at the age of eight creates the best opportunities for treatment without extractions.

We recommend that you discuss this with your dentist or your oral surgeon. They are better qualified to assist you with this decision since he/she may actually perform the procedure. We will provide you with an x-ray at the end of treatment free of charge which you may take to your dentist. Generally, the removal of wisdom teeth is recommended at an early age (15-17). The risks of keeping wisdom teeth include:

SCIREX Research Centers specializes in analgesic research and is offering wisdom tooth extraction as part of clinical trials studying experimental medications for the treatment of pain following wisdom tooth removal. If you are interested in more information or in participating in one of our clinical trials, please contact us by telephone or email.

Dr. Mark J. Birnbach of Boulder, Colorado is proud to announce the new website for his general dentistry practice. a parent, you have a big role to play in keeping your child's teeth healthy and clean. You can help prevent cavities. Prevention starts at home, with good eating habits and daily cleaning of the teeth. Congratulations!! How did you do it? Your teeth look so white. I received that compliment upon completing my first dental whitening procedure.