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Wave Goodbye to Wisdom Tooth Woes

3534882_blogAfter your milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, wisdom teeth usually start to develop. Wisdom teeth may once have been particularly useful to us. Now the need for wisdom teeth is almost obsolete due to the evolution of our diets.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, generally grow at the back ends of our jaws or dental arch. Depending on how wisdom teeth develop, they may grow normally or cause orthodontic problems. Wisdom teeth issues include dental overcrowding or impaction, partial eruption, cysts and pain.

Dental treatment may be required to prevent malocclusion, bite or jaw disorders and infection.

Problems with wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth grow sideways, pushing neighbouring teeth out of position. A dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction if the impaction, whether complete or partial, is causing malocclusion or cysts and infection.

The danger in leaving wisdom teeth bony impaction untreated is tooth decay, jawbone damage or pericoronitis. Pericoronitis is infection of the gum tissue pocket over the partially erupted wisdom tooth. Wisdom tooth extraction is generally required in such cases.

Removing a wisdom tooth

The procedure for wisdom tooth removal includes administration of a local or general anaesthetic for pain-free extraction. The sedation not only numbs the treatment site, but reduces anxiety about the procedure. Once extracted, gauze may be placed over the pocket to stem bleeding and to promote blood clotting.

Aftercare advice is provided for recovery after wisdom tooth extraction, particularly to prevent dry socket where the blood the clots within the pocket bursts and causes pain. Antibiotics may be provided to prevent infection, and painkillers to relieve any post-operative discomfort.

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