If there is one thing about our oral health that we all dread and really do not want to deal with as adults, it is our wisdom teeth. These teeth can cause quite a lot of pain and impact and can really become a problem for many adults, the majority of whom have no choice but to get them removed. But what are the main factors that you should know about wisdom teeth and how can you deal with them if they become a problem?
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are also known as the third molars and they are generally formed at the back of your gums in the four corners of each of the arches. They usually emerge during your late adolescent years between the ages of 17 and 25. Some of these are quite alright and will emerge without causing any issues and will also function normally as the other teeth do. The biggest issues with wisdom teeth occur when they erupt without having enough space for them to emerge and then get impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that erupts at an angle or develops completely below the gum or partially so.
Will It Cause Pain?
Well the short and simple answer is yes, because as most adults who have ever gotten their wisdom teeth know, the process is of course a rather painful one. However the pain and the discomfort that comes with an impacted wisdom tooth or teeth is somewhat different and this will also change according to the degree of impact that the teeth have. They may for example, push against other teeth and cause pain due to the pressure. They may get spoilt due to food particles getting trapped in the partially erupted tooth and they may also cause tender gums and cheeks where cysts may develop around this tooth. If you want to avoid such unpleasant complications be sure to follow u regularly with a dentist in Mount Druitt or in any other location, depending upon where you are living. This will help you maintain a good level of oral health overall.
How Will This Be Checked And Diagnosed?
Due to the fact that wisdom teeth are most often impacted due to the lack of space for them to freely grow in, your dentist will have to keep checking the development of these from the age of 16 years onwards. This will usually involve them checking your mouth and jaws and also taking x-ray scans to clarify the level of impact.
They will also consider factors like if there is any impact upon surrounding nerves and structures as well. If they do recommend that the wisdom teeth should be removed, they would advise you to have them removed while you are still young because the bone is less dense and the procedure would be easier. The removal of these teeth can either be taken care of in one sitting or in a few depending upon the choice of the patient. Some patients also select general anaesthesia for the procedure.
