As their name suggests, wisdom teeth are molars that emerge much later than the time when children’s “adult teeth” come in. The exact age when these molars make an appearance vary, but they often show up in your late teens or early 20s.
Why Dentists Monitor Wisdom Teeth
While the eventual appearance of wisdom teeth can be an uncomfortable process, the arrival of these molars isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In some cases, they can actually assist with chewing food more thoroughly and many people find that they simply don’t notice these new additions.
However, there are some potential risks that dentists watch for in their patients. The first is the possibility that a tooth may become impacted. This happens when there is no room for the wisdom tooth in your mouth. The tooth either does not emerge or emerges partially. This can result in pain, crowding, infection and the possibility of developing a cyst. More often than not, it is the impacted state of a wisdom tooth that makes it troublesome, and not necessarily the presence of the tooth itself.
Wisdom teeth that do emerge fully may not always be in a good position that allows for proper dental hygiene. Food can become trapped between the molars resulting in possible cavities and gum problems. In addition, this situation allows for bacteria to enter your bloodstream and cause possible problems with your jaw.
Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to keep track of your wisdom teeth. At the first sign of any problems, he or she will be able to perform a more thorough examination and make recommendations on managing the situation.
Is Extraction Always Necessary?
While many people have their wisdom teeth extracted, not everybody does. Some dentists and orthodontists recommend early wisdom teeth removal while the root systems are less mature. This can result in a less traumatic extraction. In addition, some orthodontists will recommend wisdom teeth removal before a patient receives braces or other types of treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Aftercare
Many people are sensitive about their teeth, particularly the possibility of an extraction. Modern dental care recognizes the sensitivity and dental professionals provide a variety of options for individuals undergoing extractions. Patients may receive more than one option for anesthesia during the procedure and can use medication to control pain during the recovery period.
If you are interested in wisdom teeth removal in Greenville, SC, and elsewhere, there are dentists who are willing to meet with and examine you such as those from Downton Dental. If necessary, they can discuss options for managing troublesome molars, including eventual extraction.
Sources:
Wisdom Teeth. Mouthhealthy.org
Wisdom Teeth. Colgate.com
