|
The Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom
teeth are third molars. Normally people have three permanent
molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth. The third
molars usually will try to grow in at around age 18 to 20
years.
Wisdom teeth are actually no different than any other tooth
except that they are the last teeth to erupt. They are just
as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have
a proper bite relationship, and have healthy gum tissue around
them. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
When wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth
properly, they are referred to as impacted. A dentist must
examine a patient's mouth and corresponding x-rays to determine
if the teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly. Impacted
teeth may cause problems. Impacted teeth can result in infection,
decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease or formation of a cyst
or tumor from the follicle, which is the tissue which formed
the crown of the tooth. Many dentists recommend removal of
impacted wisdom teeth to prevent potential problems.
Erupted wisdom teeth may also need to be removed. The dentist
may recommend this if the tooth is non-functional, interfering
with the bite, badly decayed, involved with or at risk for
periodontal disease, or interfering with restoration of an
adjacent tooth. Once again, every case is different and only
your dentist can determine if there is a reason for you to
have a tooth removed.
Back to Top
When the Wisdom Tooth should be removed
The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth
have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they
become impacted-meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have
no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may
experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- pain
- infection in the mouth
- facial swelling
- swelling of the gumline in the back of
the mouth
Many oral health specialists will recommend removal of the
wisdom teeth, (when the roots are approximately formed, or
three-fourths developed, usually in the adolescent years),as
early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an
impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. Third molar
impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder.
Back to Top
Problems often Associated with Impacted Third Molars
Here are several common problems that occurs when the impacted
wisdom teeth are not removed:
- bacteria and plaque build-up
- cysts development (a fluid- filled sac)
- tumor development
- infection
- jaw and gum disease
Back to Top
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Wisdom tooth extraction involves accessing the tooth through
the soft and hard tissue, gently detaching the connective
tissue between the tooth and the bone and removing the tooth.
Back to Top
|
Wisdom
teeth are third molars. Normally people have three permanent
molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth. The third
molars usually will try to grow in at around age 18 to 20
years. 