Wisdom Teeth
The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen. There are sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The back teeth are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. These teeth are also known as molars. The average mouth may only hold only twenty-eight teeth. Sometimes it can be painful to try to fit thirty-two teeth in a mouth that can hold twenty-eight teeth. These extra four teeth are known as “wisdom teeth,” or third molars.
Why Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
The last teeth to erupt in the mouth are wisdom teeth.It is recomended to have wisdom teeth removed in early teen years to prevent future problems associated with wisdom teeth. There are several conditions that may develop, if wisdom teeth are not removed. The teeth may remain trapped beneath the bone and gum, partially erupt from the gum, or may grow sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth take many positions in the bone as an attempt to find a pathway to erupt successfully.
Poorly positioned wisdom teeth may cause many problems. Partially impacted teeth provide an area for growth of bacteria, which in turn results in an infection. A person will experience stiffness, swelling, pain and illness. The erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the natural or orthodontic alignment of teeth. Cysts or tumors can form around the impacted wisdom teeth. This can cause serious problems and result in the destruction of healthy teeth and the jaw bone. These problems can be resolved by removal of the offensive wisdom teeth. It is recommended that the teeth be extracted early to minimize the surgical risk involved with the procedure and to avoid problems.
Consultation
Dr. Shabtaie can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and discuss if there may be present or future complications, by reviewing x-rays and oral examination of the mouth. A general dentist, orthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will first evaluate a patient in their late teens.
Dr. Shabtaie is trained, licensed and is experienced in various types of anesthesia techniques, allowing patients to select the appropriate anesthesia for maximized comfort. Dr. Shabtaie provides an environment of optimal safety, experienced staff in anesthesia techniques, and modern monitoring equipment.
|
Wisdom Teeth