You have probably heard your cosmetic dentist talk about extraction of wisdom teeth. A wisdom tooth refers to any molar from the four third molars present in one’s permanent dentition. Although some people may have wisdom teeth, there are some people who never develop some or even all of their third molars. In some cases, a person may have over four wisdom teeth. In many cases, wisdom teeth are not visible because they have not emerged from the gums, a condition referred to as being impacted.
Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?
You can determine whether you have wisdom teeth through examining your mouth to check if there are three molars in each side. A radiograph is used to examine impacted teeth. A panoramic radiograph helps determine the tooth eruption angle and the condition of the tooth. In many cases, wisdom teeth erupt at the ages between 16-23 years. In some cases, a person feels their wisdom teeth long before they erupt. Erupting wisdom teeth produce a feeling of dull throbbing or pressure.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When a wisdom tooth emerges cleanly without affecting the neighboring tooth, the wisdom tooth is retained provided the person can floss, brush and clean the tooth thoroughly. Wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary if the tooth is partially erupted resulting in an infection or inflammation. A soft tissue grows over a tooth that has partially erupted. This tissue is called an operculum. When bacteria are trapped under this soft tissue, an infection known as pericoronitis develops.
Pericoronitis is among the main reasons for wisdom tooth extractions. This condition occurs when there is insufficient room for all the teeth in your lower jaw. The main symptoms of this condition include a red and inflamed gum near the site of the wisdom tooth, pus draining from the site and pain in the back teeth.
Sometimes a wisdom tooth emerges at angle that makes it difficult to clean the molar that is adjacent to it. The position of a wisdom tooth may lead to gum recession or periodontal pockets around the tooth adjacent to the wisdom tooth. In such a situation, wisdom teeth removal is necessary before infection spreads to other important second molars. Another reason for tooth extractions is when a third molar erupts without contact with adjacent teeth. Such teeth are normally difficult to clean.
In case you are wondering whether you have wisdom teeth and if extraction is necessary, you should talk to your cosmetic dentist. Call our local Charlotte wisdom tooth removal dentist and book an appointment to have your mouth examined for the presence of a wisdom tooth.