wisdom teeth

[m3racer]

Wisdom teeth can create pressure and pain by leaning up against the adjacent tooth. Referred pain to other teeth is not uncommon. They do not transmit enough force along the entire arch to cause shifting of your dentition.

[Like2Plan]

Wow, it's scary what a little bit of knowledge can do on these internet forums. For starters don't listen to anything that these people have said. The information that's being spewed is ridiculous. Wisdom teeth DO NOT cause crowding or shifting of teeth!!!!! There is no study that has proven this. Here are some free pointers Jodi.

Technical question for you: are you saying a horizontially impacted wisdom tooth would not cause the shifting of the adjacent tooth (and possible nerve damage to the adjacent tooth)?


link to drbunn.com

Orthodontics
Wisdom teeth may cause movement of teeth (particularly the front teeth) when they try to erupt and this will compromise the orthodontic result. Additionally, it is difficult or impossible to achieve an ideal orthodontic result with wisdom teeth present.

I think the dentist has to look at the xray and determine what is the best course of action for the particular patient.

[jodi]

Sorry, I actually have not had much of a chance to get back to this site since I posted the original question. Thanks for all of the input. I scheduled my surgery today for three weeks out (the soonest I could get). My decision was made for me as in a very short period of time, my upper right wisdom tooth began to poke out of the side of my gum. That itself only hurts when I yawn, but the near constant ache on that side is starting to get to me.
As far as insinuating that I "guided" the oral surgeon into giving me the answer that I wanted, I went to the consultation fully prepared to schedule the surgery because I thought it was necessary. Instead, he suggested that I not undergo surgery because my dentist recommended it, but rather wait until it was needed (and it never might have been - I know many, many people of my parents' generation that never had theirs out). If a surgeon tells me that surgery is not necessary, I listen. I don't take surgery lightly. In fact, I rather dread it, but feel that it has become necessary.
I am definitely going to an oral surgeon due to the complexity of my teeth. I do have a very small mouth, crooked teeth, and no emerged wisdom teeth except for one corner of one tooth. I have the sinking feeling that there will be a lot of digging going on...
Thanks again - wish me luck!

I had my wisdom teeth out when I was 17. They were impacted and I had to be put to sleep and have them all removed. The main reason was that I inherited my mother's very large teeth, and my father's very small jaw. After having them taken out, my teeth fit nicely into my head and I have a nice set of teeth. I would say take them out. Are you using them? My sister had all of hers come in and she has awesome teeth. I guess much of it depends on your comfort level with them in your mouth vs. the comfort of having them out and not having to worry about them ever again.

[eisor]

Let me start by saying I haven't read the replies to the first post. Sorry!

But, I had two teeth removed. The dentist told me that I should have them removed. But, I waited 1.5 years. They did start bothering me once they broke through the gums. So, I did get them removed.

The top two don't bother me (yet), but they have very deep pockets so they are extremely difficult to keep clean. I just got a sonicare toothbrush and it is helping a lot. But, I'm just concerned about getting cavities way back there.

[disneynutt]

I had all 4 out when I was 24. I was in a lot of pain, had chronic sinus infections, and I really needed to get at least 3 of the 4 out. I paid $400 and my insurance company paid the other $1600 (oral surgeon, and they knocked me out). It was the best thing I ever did - I often say I would do it again if I had to. Since getting them out, I have not had a single sinus infection (going on 3 years).

[JanH]

In college, I had one wisdom tooth pulled and one cut out because it came in sideways. I had just had braces removed the year before so there was quite a shift in my teeth from the tooth that came in sideways. So I think they can move your teeth--a couple of my front ones really shifted from the pressure from the side. I still have one wisdom tooth and one never materialized. I, too, have too many teeth for a small mouth. But I'd had several teeth removed for braces and I ended up having room for the one that is left. I did it over spring break and had only a day or so of needing painkillers for the one painful tooth. Keep us posted, Jodi!

[jodi]

Surgery scheduled for 9/27...let's hope it all goes off without a hitch

[krayziebone33]

My wisdom teeth aren't bothering me, but my dentist recommended I have them removed. I'm thinking about going to one of the students on campus who is about to graduate with a degree and have them do it for much less. I'll report on my situation when I get them yanked.