Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Dental Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth are the final set of molars that most people develop between the age of 17 and 25. The name is believed to represent a mark of maturity, though some patients can experience them even later.
If you have recently been advised that you need your wisdom teeth extracted, you may want to learn more about them. Here are some facts about your wisdom teeth according to  Vita Dental Spring that you probably didn’t know.

Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth

Most people opt to have wisdom teeth extracted before there are any signs of complications. Our dentists at Vita Dental Spring are able to examine the manner in which these teeth are growing then decide if it is best to go ahead with the removal process. Some of the reasons that a dentist would recommend wisdom teeth to be removed include:
• Itchiness of the surrounding tissue or the formation of a cavity
•Insufficient space to accommodate full eruption
• Impacted teeth leading to damage of surrounding roots
• Painful contact with other teeth or gums
• Inhibited functioning of the jaw

Importance of Early Extraction

As you grow older, there are more chances of tooth extraction and most dentists are uncomfortable extracting wisdom teeth after a certain age. This is because teeth will be firmly attached to the jaw bone and there’s a possibility that broken roots may become displaced into the sinuses.

Dangers of Not Extracting

If the 3rd molars are not causing any obstacle, you may not see a reason to have them removed. Things can change over time and they can become painfully impacted, or form cavities if there isn’t sufficient room to clean. Adjacent teeth can shift to accommodate the new teeth thereby causing a problematic bite adjustment.

Health Risks Involved

Health-related complications may arise and so it is often recommended to treat these teeth with precaution. These complications can arise at any age and may include:
• Decaying of the second and third molars
• Development of cysts near the tooth
• The inception of gum disease
• Tumors
• Persistent infection in the surrounding tissue

Controlling Wisdom Tooth Pain Naturally

One of the most common remedies to alleviate the inflammation is a salt water rinse. This saline solution will keep the area clean so that infections do not worsen. You should also avoid any hot or cold fluids and try not to chew on the affected side. If the area begins to swell or feel irritated, apply an ice pack on the outside of the face.

You can also apply a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it over the tooth.

The pain can also become intense and extend to the ear of the same side through to the shoulders. You should visit an emergency dentist soonest to begin antibiotic treatment.

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is the irritation and soreness of tissues that surround the crown of a partially erupted wisdom tooth. The tooth could be impacted and can cause a wide range of symptoms such as abscess, that would require immediate assistance from an emergency dentist. The treatment is often simple as it only involves thorough cleaning and the removal of some tissue where necessary.

Why Wisdom Teeth Grow Horizontally

Due to progression, the size of the human jaw has decreased thereby leaving less room for the last four teeth to develop comfortably. For some patients, the wisdom teeth stay beneath the surface of the gum, while others continue to erupt despite the size constriction. When there is no room to grow normally in the arch, the wisdom teeth often come out horizontally.

Risk of Teeth Infections

There is a chance of infection developing in between a partially erupted wisdom tooth and the gums. Thorough cleaning is necessary to avoid complications, although this isn’t always an easy area to get to. The risk increases with age because infections can become more common, and the body becomes less capable of repairing itself. Also, if the tooth is stuck partially beneath the gums, it’s more difficult to adequately clean a wisdom tooth.

Complications of Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery

There are several risks involved during a wisdom tooth extraction surgery.

Nerve damages that can cause a change in the tongue, lip or chin sensations

Extraction of the upper wisdom teeth can cause sinus damage

The weakening of the jawbone

An open socket can lead to infections caused by trapped food particles or bacteria

Despite the difficulties that may present themselves, a successful surgery should take about a week to heal.

Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Cardiovascular Disease

Research shows that the bacteria that causes cardiovascular disease is the same one found around the wisdom teeth. The bacteria is known as Streptococcus gordonii. If it enters the bloodstream it can cause blood clots which may lead to the development of heart disease and stroke.

In the hands of qualified professionals at Vita Dental Spring, the extraction of wisdom teeth is a fast and comfortable procedure.