Wisdom Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
Wisdom Teeth Treatment Options in Upstate
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth may become impacted when they do not have enough room to erupt into their normal position. Learn more about how impacted wisdom teeth are evaluated and when treatment may be recommended.
Learn About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Removal
If removal is recommended, learn more about the oral examination, reasons wisdom teeth may need to be removed, anesthesia, and what to expect from treatment.
Learn About Wisdom Teeth Removal
After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Review post-operative information about healing and caring for the surgical sites after wisdom teeth removal.
Learn About Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you already have treatment scheduled, review our wisdom tooth removal aftercare instructions so you know what to expect after surgery.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Evaluated?
Wisdom teeth are typically first evaluated during the mid-teen years by a dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. An examination and X-rays allow the surgeon to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine whether there are present or potential problems.
At Upstate Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, Dr. Samer A. Joudeh, Dr. S. Anthony Bowie, Dr. Sarah E. Proulx, and Dr. Craig E. Holliday evaluate developing wisdom teeth for patients in Easley, Seneca, and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities. Each surgeon lists wisdom teeth among the oral and maxillofacial services they provide.
Depending on how the teeth are developing, continued monitoring may be appropriate, or removal may be recommended if there is not enough room for the teeth to erupt normally or if other concerns are present.
What Does the Oral Surgeon Evaluate?
During the evaluation, the surgeon reviews the position and development of the wisdom teeth, the available space in the jaw, and their relationship to the surrounding teeth and structures. This information helps determine whether the wisdom teeth can continue to be monitored or whether treatment should be considered.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation in Upstate South Carolina
If you or your teen has developed, impacted, or symptomatic wisdom teeth, an evaluation with one of our oral and maxillofacial surgeons can help determine whether continued monitoring or removal may be appropriate.
Upstate Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center provides wisdom teeth care at our Easley and Seneca offices, serving patients throughout Upstate South Carolina.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of the mouth, behind the second molars. They are typically the last permanent teeth to develop. When there is not enough room for them to come in normally, they may become impacted or cause problems for nearby teeth.
Wisdom teeth typically develop during the teenage years, with development often completed between the mid-teen years and early twenties. Because their position and available space can vary, an evaluation and imaging can help determine whether they are developing normally or may benefit from wisdom teeth removal.
Not every patient will need their wisdom teeth removed. Your oral surgeon can evaluate their position, available space, and effect on the surrounding teeth to determine whether monitoring or wisdom teeth removal is appropriate. Removal may be recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted or when their position creates problems with cleaning or the health of nearby teeth.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that does not have enough room to erupt into a normal position. It may remain beneath the gum tissue or jawbone, partially emerge, or develop at an angle. Imaging can help your oral surgeon determine the type of impaction and whether treatment is recommended.
Upstate OMS provides additional information to help you understand each stage of wisdom teeth treatment. Learn more about the wisdom teeth removal process, cost, and insurance coverage, what to expect after wisdom teeth extraction, and detailed post-operative instructions. You can also review Upstate OMS insurance and financing options before treatment.