DENTAL PROBLEMS
Wisdom Teeth
DENTAL PROBLEMS
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third set of adult molars and are located at the back of the jaw. They exhibit the highest variation in its presence, eruption age, and position of eruption.
How to detect wisdom teeth?
While some wisdom teeth come through vertically like a normal set of teeth, others may be impacted and only partially through, or not come through at all. If your wisdom teeth are not visible, a full mouth xray (OPG) is required to assess their presence and positioning, as well as to monitor for any signs of pathology associated.
Problems with wisdom teeth
Not all wisdom teeth cause problems. Where they have erupted in an optimal position for cleaning and function, wisdom teeth may act as another set of functioning teeth. However often there is insufficient space for them to come through fully and they become impacted against the neighbouring tooth or surrounding bone. This can lead to various issues including:
- Difficulty maintaining hygiene
- Source of food trap
- Pain and infection
- Gum disease and bone loss
- Decay on itself or the adjacent tooth
- Cyst formation
- Bad breath or metallic taste
When it is essential to have wisdom teeth removed
It is important to have your wisdom teeth assessed regardless of whether you’ve experienced pain or notice them coming through. The likelihood of impaction can be preempted and where there is a high chance of the above problems occuring it is optimal to have wisdom teeth removed. Preventative removal is often an easier process and will minimize damage to other teeth. When left untreated, conditions can worsen over time and result in sudden pain and infection, as well as a more complex removal processes.
BLACKBURN DENTAL GROUP
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