With age comes wisdom….. Specifically wisdom teeth. Our mouths go through many changes in our lifetime. One major dental milestone usually takes place between 17 to 21 years i.e .appearance of third molars. These are called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.

When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew and can be a valuable asset to the mouth.

It is normal to feel a little discomfort when wisdom teeth begin to erupt but if there is pain it’s best to see your dentist.

Wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling and other problems if there isn’t enough space for them to surface or if they erupt in a wrong position.

Wisdom teeth are called impacted if they are trapped in your jaw or under your gums.

Wisdom teeth that aren’t in the right position can allow food to get trapped. This gives cavity causing bacteria a nice cozy place to grow.

Wisdom teeth that erupt partially give bacteria a place to enter below the gums and create a spot for infection to occur. This leads to a condition called ‘pericoronitis’. There is pain, swelling, stiffness in the jaw and general illness.

Sometimes a wisdom tooth that is impacted can form a cyst on or near the impacted tooth. This could damage the roots of nearby teeth or destroy the bone that supports the teeth.

Every individual’s case is unique but generally wisdom teeth need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as

• Pain and swelling
• Infection
• Cyst
• Tumors
• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay

and sometimes, wisdom teeth removal is recommended as part of treatment for braces.

Before making any decisions regarding wisdom teeth, proper examination of mouth and X Rays are recommended. Together, you and your dentist can discuss the best course of treatment.

Wisdom teeth that are not removed should also be monitored with annual dental checkups, cause the potential for developing problems later on, still exists.

Be sure to brush and floss around your wisdom teeth and visit your dentist regularly as regular dental visits allow your dentist to evaluate your wisdom teeth and your overall dental health as well.

 

Dr. Siena G. Pacheco (B.D.S )
Dental Surgeon
Private Practioner