Wisdom teeth (your third molars) are the last teeth to come in and the ones least needed for good oral health. In most cases they may do more harm than good.
Understanding Your Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17-25. When a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to erupt, it gets trapped in the bone. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, but each tooth can be at a different stage of eruption and position of impaction. Being at the back of the mouth, good oral hygiene remains a challenge. Thus these teeth are prone to infection. Also because of their position and angulation, wisdom teeth can cause pressure on adjacent teeth and nerves. A flare up can cause a sudden onset of symptoms. The longer you wait to remove these teeth, the more firmly they get anchored.
Complications Caused By Wisdom Teeth
- Infection in the wisdom tooth or adjacent tooth.
- Pain over the angle of the jaw.
- Swelling.
- Headache and other facial pains.
- Inability to open mouth properly.
- Inflamed or swollen gums over the affected area.
- Pressure on adjacent teeth leading to crowding.
Whether you have obvious symptoms or not, you can rely on your Dentist's expertise to diagnose potential problems caused by your wisdom teeth.
Diagnosis & Treatment
X-rays: Help to determine position and angulation of the tooth, along with shape of its roots.
Medication: Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are used to reduce pain and infection.
Surgery
- Operculectomy: If the tooth is in the right position and is in the process of eruption, the flap of gum directly overlying the tooth can be trimmed to facilitate eruption.
- Disimpaction: If the tooth is infected or if there is insufficient space for eruption, then the tooth is surgically removed.
In Case Of A Wisdom Tooth Flare Up
- Avoid chewing or sleeping on the affected side.
- In case of swelling, do not, do any heat formentation on the outside.
- Take a mild painkiller.
- Consult your Dentist at the earliest.