A wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth. These teeth are located at the end of the lower and upper gums, right in the back of your mouth. If you have problems with your wisdom teeth, they may have to be extracted. Read to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third morals, are usually the last teeth to grow. They often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Some come through without any problems. However, others are usually problematic and a dentist may recommend removing them. Here are some of the reasons the removal of wisdom teeth is necessary.
Many patients often develop impacted wisdom teeth. These are teeth that do not have adequate room to grow properly and may not fully erupt. As a result, a tooth may grow at a wrong angle toward the next tooth, which is the second molar. Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth may grow in the wrong direction or only partially.
The impaction of a wisdom tooth is usually not only painful, but it can also cause infection. Food can get trapped between a wisdom tooth and the one next to it if the wisdom tooth is not in the right position. This gives bacteria that cause cavities a place to grow. Brushing wisdom teeth that have not come in properly can be difficult. Flossing between wisdom teeth and the nearby molars can also be hard.
Wisdom teeth that have erupted only partially allow the bacteria to enter the gums and create an ideal place for infection to occur. This usually leads to stiffness, swelling and pain in the jaw. Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room in the mouth can cause crowding or damage to the neighboring teeth. Sometimes an impacted wisdom tooth can cause a cyst near or on the impacted tooth. This can cause several problems, including destroying the bone that supports the teeth or damaging the roots of neighboring teeth.
If a wisdom tooth is troublesome or painful or if it can cause damage to neighboring teeth, it will be pulled. A dentist can use X-rays to determine if wisdom teeth might cause problems. Other reasons an impacted wisdom tooth may have to be removed is if it results in problems like infection, gum disease, cysts, tumors and tooth decay. It may also be recommended if there are complications with orthodontic treatments that are meant to straighten the teeth.
Before recommending a wisdom tooth extraction, the doctor will examine your mouth and take an X-ray. This will help your dentist to see how the tooth is growing and determine if it may cause problems. You and your dentist should then talk about a good treatment option. It is always wise to know if your wisdom teeth are likely to cause any problems early. If you want to find out if you are a candidate for a wisdom tooth extraction, contact your dentist today.
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