What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars, deriving their name because they come to the surface at a mature age (typically late teens or early 20s).
Why might I need wisdom teeth management?
It is common for wisdom teeth to become impacted. This means they do not fully break the surface through the gums into the mouth. This may occur because there is not enough room in the jaw for the teeth, because they grow in the wrong direction, or are blocked by another tooth. As a result, the tooth can become trapped beneath the jawbone. In the majority of cases impacted teeth must be removed. Early removal in young adulthood, before problems begin, is recommended. Even if the teeth are not causing any symptoms, they can eventually lead to a number of problems, including:
- Decay or cavities
- Infection around the crown of the tooth
- Crowding of the teeth
- Resorption of adjacent teeth, which occurs when impacted teeth grow into the mouth, injuring the roots of nearby teeth and causing early loss of healthy teeth
- Cysts or tumors that develop in the sacs formed by the wisdom teeth
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Before you have your wisdom teeth surgically removed, you will meet with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a consultation. Your first consultation visit with the doctor will be to evaluate you for treatment. The doctor will use this time to understand your needs, review treatment options and suggest a treatment plan based on your unique situation.
Please let us know in advance if you have recent (within six months) panoramic X-rays. The standard full-mouth X-rays are not sufficient for a complete evaluation. Please send electronic files of your panoramic X-rays to OMFSxrays@ucsf.edu. If you bring a copy on a disk or jump drive, and our system is not compatible with that digital format, we may not be able to view them. In that case, we will need to take panoramic X-rays on the day of your evaluation. You will be responsible for the cost of those X-rays.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Government issued identification
- Health insurance information including authorizations or referrals
- Registration forms
- List of prescription medications and dosages
- List of medications that you’re allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Recent test results related to your condition
- Paper and pencil to take notes