Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth appear when a person hits the age of twenty or thereabout. The teeth acquired the name ‘wisdom’ because they appear when someone is all grown up, mature and is deemed to be wiser. It is the third last set of molars at the back of your mouth. The wisdom tooth is a dental milestone to cross, although it does not appear to occur in the whole of the population, missing in some individuals.
This unique set of teeth causes problems in some people, and it is one of the most common reasons why young people visit the dentist. These dental issues are usually related to pain and discomfort when wisdom teeth fail to surface or fully emerge.
Why you should be concerned about wisdom teeth
A wisdom tooth emerges late in one’s life, which results in little to no space for them. As a result, the tooth may develop and emerge incorrectly. The lack of space may force the wisdom tooth to stay trapped in the gums or inside your jaw.
It is important to have your wisdom teeth examined and monitored by a dentist. The dentist will take note of the following factors as he monitors the progress of your wisdom teeth.
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Partially Surfaced Wisdom Tooth
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- Are a common route for bacteria to penetrate into the gum, causing gum and dental issues.
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Malpositioned wisdom tooth
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- Results in food getting trapped between teeth, which creates a harbor for bacteria and eventually results in tooth decay. The malpositioned wisdom tooth also makes it difficult to clean and floss in between teeth. Additionally, crowding may occur.
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Impacted Wisdom Tooth
- Causes extensive damage to the gum and neighboring teeth
Reasons why you should have your wisdom tooth extracted
Your dentist might recommend removing your wisdom teeth for the following reasons:
Pain resulting from an impacted, wrongly positioned or partially surfaced is at times unbearable and uncomfortable. The pain, in most occasions, result from infections emanating from gum diseases and infections as a result of improperly positioned wisdom tooth
- Extensive damage to neighboring teeth resulting from the surfacing of the wisdom tooth in the wrong position. This damage causes the teeth to lose their shape and it is also a major cause of pain and discomfort.
- Tooth decay is usually an after effect of a malpositioned or partially emerged wisdom tooth. This is after bacteria accumulate in between the teeth breaks down sugar particles causing acids that erode the tooth.
It is important to have regular dental check-ups, especially during the emergence of these teeth, to have them monitored and appropriate measures to be taken when issues arise.
Learn More
Wisdom teeth are typically recommended for extraction due to the potential issues they cause. Learn more about this procedure by contacting any one of our locations. Unique Dental is located throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Simply click below and speak with our team members today. We proudly accept new patients and most insurances.
