Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the teeth found at the rear end of the upper and lower jaws. Most adults have 4 of them, and are usually formed during the teen years. Most people have experienced some sort of discomfort when they erupted, and problems are very common with them.

ProblemsOvercrowding of the teeth is the most common problem. Some people exhibit problems with impaction. Impaction occurs when the tooth is unable to completely come through the surface of the gums. The tooth sometimes grows at an angle, instead of growing straight up. Impaction may also occur if another tooth is hindering its eruption or if there isnt enough space in the jaw. Such teeth are useless and they will probably cause pain. Improper cleaning of the teeth will lead to decay and infection in the gums. In such cases, early removal of the tooth is recommended.

SymptomsThe main symptoms include pain and swelling. In cases of gum infection, the gum becomes red and inflamed, and you may experience excruciating pain. In moderate cases of infection, pus will come out of the gums. The lymph glands which are present under the jaw may also become very tender. In severe cases, you may not be even able to open the mouth or swallow food.

ComplicationsIn some people, there will not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt. This will prevent it from coming out completely, and is called soft impaction. In such cases, cleaning of the teeth becomes very difficult, and food particles will get stuck leading to the growth of bacteria. This will eventually result in decaying of the tooth.If overcrowding occurs in the upper jaw, the erupting new teeth will grow outwards. Then, it will rub against the cheek whenever you open the mouth. This will cause bruising, and will eventually result in the formation of ulcers. The chewing of food also becomes very difficult in such cases.

SolutionsIf there is any infection, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics. But, this is not a good solution if the infection keeps coming back. The best solution to these problems is the extraction of the teeth and this should be done in the earlier stages of its growth. The dentist will take an X-ray of the teeth to check if it is growing properly. If any future problem is detected, it will be better to remove the teeth as early as possible. However, extraction can also be done later if the teeth cause problems. Post surgical caring of the gum is very important to prevent complications. Always follow the advice given by your dentist and take care of your wisdom teeth properly.