Wisdom Teeth … Not So Wise

Wisdom teeth is the commonly used term for third molar teeth, they are the last adult teeth to erupt at the back of the mouth, usually around 18 years of age.  Some people are fortunate to never develop them, for the not so lucky ones with them read on…

Everyone’s wisdom teeth aren’t the same, some people will have problems with them and others won’t.  Some people will be recommended and need to have them removed, others won’t.

Many people assume that because their wisdom teeth are not causing any pain, they can’t be causing any problems, unfortunately this is not the case.

As wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt into the mouth, often there isn’t enough room for them and they can come through in an awkward position, or become stuck or impacted under the gum, bone, or against other teeth.  This can lead to gum infection and disease, decay, damage to the other teeth and even jaw cysts.

Your dentist will determine the best course of treatment for your wisdom teeth, after a thorough assessment and review of your xrays.

If your dentist recommends removal of your wisdom teeth, there are a few possible ways for this to occur: removal in the dental chair by your dentist, or in more complex/ difficult cases referral to a oral maxillofacial surgeon for removal while you are asleep under general anesthetic in the hospital.

It is important however for people to know, that when it comes to wisdom teeth, if they need to be removed, the longer they are left untreated, the more likely you are to have complications before and after removal.

For a thorough assessment of your wisdom teeth, call Debra Brown Dental on (07) 49 575957.