Source: WorldDental.org
Wisdom teeth.
They can cause major problems for some people.
But why? Why can certain people live with them, and others can’t?
Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because usually they come in when a person is between the ages of 17 and 21 – old enough to have gained some “wisdom.”
Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned do not cause problems.
Problems, however, arise when wisdom teeth grow in crooked or facing the wrong direction. This tends to happen in people who simply don’t have room for them to grow inside their mouths. Their jaws are not large enough. Or, if a wisdom tooth can’t break through the gums at all, it may become impacted.
Wisdom teeth may also break only part-way through the gum line, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them where food can become trapped and gum infection can develop.
Again, people with healthy wisdom teeth won’t experience any trouble. But, there are some symptoms that may mean they need to come out, including:
- Pain or jaw stiffness near an impacted tooth.
- Pain or irritation from a tooth coming in at an awkward angle and rubbing against your cheek, tongue, or top or bottom of the mouth.
- An infected swelling in the flap of gum tissue that has formed on top of an impacted tooth that has partially broken through the gum.
- Crowding of other teeth.
- Tooth decay or gum disease if there’s not enough room to properly care for the wisdom tooth and surrounding teeth.
If you believe you’re having problems with your wisdom teeth, make an appointment immediately. I can examine your teeth and gums for signs of trouble and recommend a course of action, like having your wisdom teeth removed.
And, rest assured, if you do need your wisdom teeth extracted, the procedure is quick and simple with only minor discomfort.
Related articles:
Dental Extractions: What to Expect After You Get a Tooth Pulled
