What Are Wisdom Teeth?

minute read

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.

Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, or erupt, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. This can lead to wisdom teeth that are impacted, teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. If teeth are impacted, swelling and tenderness may occur.

Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.

How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Your dentist or a dental specialist, called an oral surgeon, will recommend either "going to sleep" using general anesthesia, or numbing this area in your mouth with a local anesthesia such as Novocain®.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.

Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future.


Horizontal Impaction	Angular Impaction	Vertical Impaction

11/15/2010

People asking whether the toothpaste will expire or not

Does Toothpaste Expire?

What A Gum Boil (Singaw) Could Mean For Your Dental Health

If you notice anything strange in your mouth, such as a gum boil or a bump that looks like a pimple, it's a good idea to have it checked out by a dentist.

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones, clinically called tonsilloliths, are small, white discharges that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are typically found on the surfaces of the pharyngeal tonsils on either side at the back of the throat. They can be as small as a grain of rice or as large as a pea. They are quite common and usually harmless, but they may spark alarm in patients when noticed for the first time.