Mississauga dentist offers wisdom teeth removal service for impacted wisdom teeth
wisdom teeth
The purpose of wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars people get. Generally, wisdom teeth begin to appear or erupt between the ages of 18 and 25. Anthropologically speaking, the extra molars may have been due to larger head and facial sizes as well as dietary needs in breaking down foods. Today, people have smaller faces and jaws. We no longer need the extra set of teeth for our lifestyles.
Smaller jaw sizes have lead to changes in if and
how the wisdom teeth erupt. Some people never get wisdom teeth. For
some, they grow in naturally without ever causing a problem. People may
get two teeth or four. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals not
only get their third set of teeth but also have issues with them. An
estimated 85 percent of people who get wisdom teeth need to have them
removed at some point.
Reasons for wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth are not removed just on a whim. When the decision is made to extract or remove teeth, the goal is to protect the overall health of the mouth. Young adults who go through wisdom tooth extraction may do it as part of a preventative plan. The goal is to avoid future issues such as the teeth becoming impacted, pushing against, and damaging the surrounding teeth. Extracting teeth is not a decision that is taken lightly. Routine x-rays track the development of wisdom teeth. If the x-rays show the potential for problems, wisdom teeth removal services may be recommended.
The most common reasons for wisdom teeth extractions include the following:
- The face or jaw size is too small for the teeth to erupt properly.
- X-rays show the teeth are impacted or may become impacted.
- Damage to the adjacent teeth has occurred.
- Future dental problems are probable if the teeth are not removed.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth is a common dental concern. Many patients do not actually know what the phrase entails. A wisdom tooth that does not have room to erupt properly is considered impacted. Without enough room, the adjacent teeth may be twisted, displaced, or tilted as the molar tries to erupt. The patient may or may not experience pain. Until a dentist brings attention to the issue, some patients remain unaware of the problem lurking beneath the gums. Symptoms often appear if the gum around the tooth becomes infected or swollen. Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth may include:
- Pain
- Bleeding, swollen gums
- Swollen jaw
- Bad breath
- Headache
- Jaw tenderness or stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
Impacted wisdom teeth must be treated before extensive damage is caused to the surrounding teeth. The wisdom teeth may push against the adjacent teeth causing them to shift or become crowded. Infection, tooth decay, and gum disease can occur. Rarely, tumors or cysts may appear. Patients who experience pain or symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth should contact their dentist for an appointment.
By visiting the dentist regularly for exams and x-rays, potential problems such as impacted wisdom teeth can be prevented or addressed before they further escalate. Teens or young adults should have their wisdom teeth evaluated at routine dental appointments. This allows the dentist to assess and monitor the teeth. Removing wisdom teeth for a young adult minimizes the risks of future dental complications.
The x-rays show the location, position, and potential direction your teeth may take. The dentist discusses treatment options including extraction. Using precise techniques, sedation, anesthesia, and a gentle touch, the teeth are removed quickly and painlessly. The length of the recovery period varies from patient to patient depending upon the difficulty of the extraction. Following your dentist’s instructions helps ease your healing and improves your results.
Wisdom teeth removal is often a proactive way to improve the health of the mouth. Contact Dr. Rina Kotecha and the team at Dentistry on 10 in Mississauga, ON to schedule your appointment. Call (905) 455-9262.
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