Wisdom Teeth
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Wisdom teeth are also called third molars and usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Normally, wisdom teeth are supposed to take their place behind second molars and properly align with the rest of the teeth in the mouth. This, however, is not always the case. Because at this age, facial bones and jaws have already developed, frequently there is not enough room to accommodate these new teeth. As a result wisdom teeth may fail to erupt into its correct position in the mouth and remain fully or partially covered under the gum or jaw bone. These wisdom teeth are called impacted. |
Why should I have my impacted wisdom teeth removed?
Infected gums: When the tooth has erupted partially through the gum, bacteria can enter through the opening or the pocket around the tooth and cause the gum to become infected causing pain . This uncomfortable condition is called Periocornitis and is best treated is by having the wisdom teeth removed.
Decay: Partially-erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, plaque containing bacteria may form on the surface causing cavities in the wisdom tooth and the adjacent tooth.
Crowding: Pressure from wisdom teeth might cause crowding and teeth might loose it's proper position in the mouth. Then cleaning becomes more difficult and teeth may wear unevenly or permanently with structural damage as result.
Other problems: Impacted wisdom teeth might form a cyst that is capable of damaging adjacent teeth, the jawbone and nerves. Wisdom teeth could be the cause for unknown headaches.
What are the risks in having the wisdom teeth removed?
Dry socket: After your wisdom teeth are removed, a blood clot forms to cover the socket as part of the normal healing process. If the blood clot dissolves or is washed away, you will probably experience the steady, throbbing pain of a dry socket. If this should occur, call your dentist immediately to get proper treatment. Generally, a dry socket dressing will be placed in the area.
Numbness: Nerves near your wisdom teeth are sometimes injured when the tooth is removed, causing numbness that might stay for few days, months, or life time. In most cases the numbness will disappear gradually.