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Home Oral Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal


Wisdom Teeth Removal Honolulu




Wisdom Teeth Removal provided by and in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at


Adults develop 32 teeth. The third molars, commonly called the wisdom teeth, are the last of these teeth to erupt, emerging in the late teens to the early 20s. These teeth are also the ones that are most likely to cause oral health complications and severe pain. This is because the wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted. At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we can restore your oral health and relieve your discomfort with wisdom tooth extraction.

What Issues Do Wisdom Teeth Cause?


Some people never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, and they emerge just like the rest of the teeth. However, for most individuals, the wisdom teeth become impacted, which can cause several issues. An impacted tooth is one that does not properly emerge through the gum tissue. Even when wisdom teeth emerge, since they are so far back in the mouth, they are very difficult to clean adequately.

For these reasons, impacted wisdom teeth cause mouth pain due to the following issues:

•  Cavities, gum disease, and infection. Since wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they are challenging to clean. Food and bacteria tend to get trapped in these areas and can cause cavities or gum disease. When wisdom teeth only partially emerge through the gum tissue, they create the ideal environment for bacterial growth. A localized or even widespread infection can develop.
•  Overcrowding. The wisdom teeth used to serve a purpose. Before the invention of cooking, our ancestors relied on wisdom teeth to help break down rough foods. After cooking, the wisdom teeth were no longer necessary. The jaw, which once comfortably accommodated all of the teeth, began to shrink. However, the wisdom teeth remained. For many people, there simply is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate all 32 teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth attempting to emerge can push your existing teeth out of alignment, causing overcrowding. Overcrowding can cause bite issues along with aesthetic issues.
•  Tooth Damage. In some instances, wisdom teeth may be developing at an angle. If they are angled toward the adjacent teeth, they could hit those teeth. As the wisdom teeth continue to grow, they may place pressure on the adjacent teeth, causing them to erode. This damage to adjacent teeth may necessitate removal of the wisdom tooth, or even the adjacent tooth.
•  Cysts. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form as a result of impaction, or as a result of infection. Cysts are usually noncancerous, but they still need to be removed. Untreated cysts continue to grow, damaging surrounding structures as they do.

Diagnosing Impacted Wisdom Teeth


If you experience any symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to seek help quickly for a formal diagnosis.

Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:

•  Red swollen gums.
•  Swelling around the jaw.
•  Bad breath.
•  A bad taste in your mouth.
•  Trouble opening and closing your mouth.
•  Severe pain.

Diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth requires a thorough oral exam. First, we visually inspect your mouth, checking your gums for signs of infection. We will also check for partially emerged teeth. Your exam also involves the use of dental x-rays. X-rays allow us to see the structures under your gums, including your developing wisdom teeth, any damage to adjacent teeth, and cysts. If we determine your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing problems, we then make a treatment plan.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction


The only way to treat impacted wisdom teeth is via tooth extractions. There are two types of tooth extractions used for removing teeth; simple and surgical. Simple extractions involve the use of forceps to wiggle the tooth back and forth and widen the socket. When the socket is wide enough, the tooth is lifted out.

Most impacted teeth require oral surgery. A surgical extraction is a more complex process that can be done with local anesthetics or with sedation. First, incisions are made in the gum tissue, exposing the impacted teeth and surrounding jawbone. The teeth are then extracted. This may involve removing a small amount of bone or breaking the tooth and removing it in pieces. Once the tooth is completely removed, the area is cleaned. Oftentimes a stitch is left to help with the healing process.

Are you a young teen or an older adult and are having pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth? Are you having pain in your ears and headaches? It could be that you have impacted wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, and this is a common issue that many people face. However, should you have impacted wisdom teeth, there is no need to worry! Our skilled and experienced dentists at Pacific Maxillofacial Center can remove them and alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?


Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to come in. They typically emerge during early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people, wisdom teeth erupt properly and align with the rest of their teeth, but for others, they can become stuck or trapped against other teeth, the jawbone, or even the nearby soft tissue, thus referred to as impaction.

Generally, impacted wisdom teeth are known to cause pain and discomfort, as well as a variety of oral health issues such as infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and tooth decay. In these cases, it is often recommended to have them removed through a surgical procedure. However, not all impacted wisdom teeth need to be extracted, especially if they are not causing any problems. An evaluation from our dental professionals can determine the best course of action for each individual.

What Happens If You Don't Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth?


If you are experiencing any pain or other symptoms due to impacted wisdom teeth, leaving them in place can lead to various complications. These can include infection, damage to neighboring teeth and jawbone, the development of cysts, and gum disease. Untreated impactions can also cause pain and discomfort in the mouth and jaw. In severe cases, they may even affect your ability to properly chew and speak.

Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Ear Pain?


There is a potential connection between impacted wisdom teeth and ear pain. In fact, ear pain is one of the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which can lead to referred pain in the ear area. This is because your jaw joints are closely connected to your ear nerves and muscles. Additionally, if impacted wisdom teeth lead to infection in the mouth or jaw, this can also spread and cause ear pain.

Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?


Impacted wisdom teeth exert pressure on the surrounding teeth and can lead to misalignment of the jaw. This, in turn, can result in tension and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ discomfort and tension can lead to headaches. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to the development of cysts or tumors, which can cause headaches as well.

Suppose you are experiencing headaches or unsure about your wisdom teeth status. It is important to schedule an appointment with our dental professional at Pacific Maxillofacial Center for a comprehensive evaluation. Our experienced dentists can provide expert advice and treatment options to address any issues related to your wisdom teeth. Whether it be through extraction or another recommended course of action, we can help alleviate any discomfort and improve the overall health of your mouth. Call us today at 808-585-8455 to get checked right away.
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Honolulu


1060 Young St #312
Honolulu, HI 96814-1604

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Office: 808-585-8455
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours


Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm


Waipi'o


94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd #B-204
Waipahu, HI 96797

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Office: 808-676-9560
Email: Send us an Email

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Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm





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Wisdom Teeth Removal in Honolulu & Oahu
At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we can restore your oral health and relieve your discomfort with wisdom tooth extraction. Click here to learn more!
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