Wisdom Teeth - To Keep or Not to Keep?

Wisdom Teeth - To Keep or Not to Keep?
NobleDentist

Wisdom teeth also known as third molars are the last teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth may become a problem for you as they grow and develop in each corner of your mouth. Problems often develop gradually since development normally spans several years. Nevertheless, these gradual changes can cause sudden and severe pain. Understanding why such things can happen may help you to deal with these problems, or better still, to encourage you to take preventive measures before they occur.

The jawbone grows to approximately its adult size by your late teens. Unfortunately, that size is often too small to hold developing wisdom teeth. This happens because our jaws are smaller than those of early humans who needed large jaws and more teeth for their tougher diet.

When there is not enough room for your wisdom teeth, they may become impacted, or partially trapped in the jawbone and gums. The crown, or top of the tooth, may erupt, or just break through the gum, or it may remain completely within the bone. The roots can grow in unusual directions and may cause a variety of problems in your mouth and with your sinus cavity or the nerve in your lower jaw. The primary preventive measure for wisdom teeth is removal, preferably at an early stage.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth
A tooth becomes impacted due to lack of space in the dental arch and its eruption is therefore prevented by gum, bone, another tooth or all three. Lack of space occurs because our jaws have become smaller through evolution. We do not lose teeth through decay as frequently as in the past and our diet does not wear down our teeth as much.

Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in a variety of directions. This is illustrated below.

A wisdom tooth may grow toward your other teeth, away from them, or even in horizontal or vertical positions. When such conditions occur, it's far simpler and less painful to have them removed early before they have a chance to firmly anchor in your jaw as the teeth grow and the roots lengthen....

1300 657 395

Facsimile
(07) 3606 9202

Postal Address
NobleDentist
PO Box 2088
Tingalpa QLD 4173

Email form: http://www.nobledentist.com.au/contact.php