Did you know that the average adult has 32 teeth by age eighteen? Teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces; back teeth, or molars, grind food into a consistency suitable for swallowing. However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28. Those four extra teeth are called third molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."

Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Alternatively, extraction is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting. For example, they may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that allows them to erupt successfully, causing many problems. When partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria growth and eventually causes infection, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Pressure from the erupting tooth may also move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, leading to destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Chronically infected wisdom teeth can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Early removal of the offending teeth usually resolves these problems and decreases surgical risks. Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and anesthesia techniques to maximize patient comfort.