Wisdom Teeth

There are a number of reasons why many people have their wisdom teeth removed. These large back molars usually erupt some time in late adolescence or early adulthood. There are typically four molars, although sometime more or less teeth appear. By far the major factor is some sort of impaction.

The term impaction refers to the failure of one or more of the molars to erupt through the gum line completely. The most common type accounting for almost half the cases is a mesioangular impaction. In this situation the tooth is facing forwards towards the front of the mouth. The easiest and fastest way to determine a problem with a tooth is by X ray. Most dental offices take routine X rays just to see if any problems are developing.

A vertical impaction is when the tooth does not erupt through the gum line. This type of problem is also quite common and is found in around forty percent of people who need surgery. If a dentist recommends a patient for wisdom teeth removal they should look around for a very experienced oral surgeon in their area.

The surgery requires a lot of skill and only those who are very proficient should attempt it. If the impaction is very deep it may not be possible to remove the tooth with forceps. The surrounding bone should be removed along with the tooth to effect a clean and proficient job. Trying to pull too hard can actually fracture the jaw bone and lead to additional and severe problems including infection.

After the surgery the patient should follow their surgeons instructions to the letter. There will be several days of bleeding, which should be almost done by the third or fourth day. They will need to be careful not to smoke or drink through a straw as this changes the air pressure within the mouth and can cause the blood clots to dislodge and bleeding to resume. A follow up appointment in seven to ten days is also important as it allows the surgeon to check for the appropriate healing.

There are other reasons why a dentist may recommend wisdom teeth be removed. If a tooth is not fully erupted a flap of skin can be left on the surface. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible to keep the area clean and free of food debris. In these cases the patient will suffer from constant bad breathe and even more serious problems. Infections can start that are very difficult to treat and can cause severe pain.

On occasions the wisdom teeth may be so misaligned they rub on the cheeks and tongue causing irritation and pain. This can also lead to dangerous infections and secondary problems. Most dentist will recommend removal of the problematic tooth.

Good dental care is very important for any young person. Check ups every six months are highly recommended to keep a close eye on the progress of wisdom teeth. It is best to diagnose and treat problems early, before they have the chance to become more serious.