What a Mummy Can Teach You About Wisdom Teeth Problems

During a visit to Chicago’s Field Museum, I stepped into a three-story replica of an Egyptian tomb and noticed something remarkable on a mummy’s CT scan — a 2,500-year-old impacted wisdom tooth destroying the molar beside it. Even thousands of years ago, wisdom teeth were causing trouble. Today, at NorthernStar OMS in St. Louis Park near Minneapolis, we still see similar problems — and we now know how to prevent them safely.

Wisdom teeth — also called third molars — often become impacted, meaning there isn’t enough space for them to emerge properly. When that happens, they can damage nearby teeth, lead to infections, or even cause bone loss.

At NorthernStar Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we focus on preventing these complications before they occur. Removing wisdom teeth at the right time, typically between ages 16 and 24, helps minimize surgical risk and protect the adjacent second molars.

Even though many people experience little to no symptoms, evaluation is important. Most patients are first referred by their general dentist, pediatric dentist, or orthodontist for a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, medications, and allergies to ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery and anesthesia.

Our clinical and radiographic exam helps determine whether your wisdom teeth have enough room to erupt, if cavities or bone defects are already forming, and what level of risk removal might involve.

We’ll discuss anesthesia options — from local to IV sedation or general anesthesia — and help you understand recovery time and expectations.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide safe, comfortable, and compassionate care while preventing long-term oral health problems.

Learn more about our wisdom teeth removal services in Minneapolis and how we keep patients comfortable every step of the way.

Next, learn why delaying wisdom tooth removal after 25 increases surgical risks and how early evaluation can protect your teeth.