Most Canadians have heard the term “wisdom teeth”, but not everyone understands exactly what they are. Wisdom teeth are the third molars in a person’s mouth. These teeth erupt much later in an individual’s life than the rest of the teeth, which is why specialists coined them as wisdom teeth. These molars usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth do not add any more knowledge or wisdom to the individual who has them, and quite often, they cause more problems than some people think they are worth. Many people have all or some of their wisdom teeth extracted by the time they are in their thirties.
The Trouble With Wisdom Teeth
The reasons that people usually have their wisdom teeth extracted are crowding, impaction, and infection. Most people report pain and discomfort as the wisdom teeth are growing in, because they aggravated the gums in the area. Many times wisdom teeth grow in and push other teeth out of the way, so that those teeth become crooked. Sometimes a wisdom tooth will erupt only partially, leaving an irritated flap of gum exposed for infection. Wisdom teeth can also grow in sideways, which can cause additional problems.
Properly brushing a wisdom tooth is difficult, because it is at the very rear of the mouth. Therefore, the wisdom teeth are the most susceptible to infections. Wisdom teeth are usually the first teeth that people sacrifice when they need to make room for braces or other dental devices. A person can resume normal eating functions without these particular teeth.
When to Extract Wisdom Teeth
If a wisdom tooth continues to develop infections or decay, the patient should look into having it extracted. Dentists generally will not try to save a wisdom tooth by applying a filling to it. Dentists usually will not perform root canal surgery on a wisdom tooth either, because the cost is usually not worth the trouble. Since there is no cosmetic reason to keep a wisdom tooth in the mouth, a majority of patients ask for their removal.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is a major process. Depending on the positioning of the tooth, the dentist may have to cut it to remove it. Even if cutting is not necessary, the wisdom tooth is still in a very sensitive part of the mouth. Patients who have wisdom tooth extractions can have several problems resulting from this procedure. One of the most common problems that occur with wisdom tooth extractions is swelling. The face can swell for days from a wisdom tooth extraction. Ice and pain medication may be the best recourse for the swelling.
Some patients also develop dry socket, which is a painful condition involving an inflammation of the alveolar bone. In the worst cases, the patient can suffer from nerve damage. Nerve damage occurs because of the proximity of the nerve to the dental work. The best way to avoid nerve damage is to have the procedure performed by a reputable Canadian dentist. Hiring a reliable dentist will decrease the changes of negative side effects.
Sources:
http://www.cda-adc.ca/
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/wisdom-teeth
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_tooth
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wisdom-teeth/DS00679
http://www.lacanadadentist.net/
Kerhoulas Dental is a cosmetic dentistry office in Mississauga delivering comfort, relaxation, and personal service for their dental patients.