Wisdom Teeth Infection

The wisdom of tooth removal

Summer vacation or Christmas break? Thanksgiving's not long enough, nor is a holiday weekend. She has next week off from her summer job, so let's get it over with. Lest you think I manufacture these medical issues just to have fodder for my column, I want you to know that my daughter may, in fact need her wisdom teeth removed.

I say may because her dentist thinks there will not be enough room when they come in after looking at the "panoramic" X-ray. So the next stop is the oral surgeon for a consult followed by the surgery right then and there if warranted. Not my usual modus operandi as anyone who has followed this column would attest to. I am a huge proponent of research before doing anything.

But I researched the docs, checked out my insurance coverage, have a kid who realizes this is one of those unpleasant rites of passage that she will probably need to undertake, and we are loading up on ice cream (because, really, who actually likes Jell-O?).

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are those big teeth that are the last to erupt in the very back of the mouth. Usually this occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, which is a time of life called the "age of wisdom." Called this by whom I am not sure -- probably someone who does not have kids. Anyway, the story goes that anthropologists believe that very early humans ate rough diets, which caused a normal drifting of teeth, leaving space for the wisdom teeth. The evolution of the modern diet, which is much softer, combined with various orthodontic procedures, has produced a fuller dental arch, which may not include enough room for the final molars.

Wisdom teeth cause problems when they are misaligned -- positioned horizontally or at an angle. This can crowd the neighboring teeth and damage the jawbone and even facial nerves. If they are leaning toward the second molars, plaque and debris may be trapped between the teeth. If they remain partially or completely entrapped in the soft tissue or jawbone and cannot fully emerge, they are termed impacted. This may lead to pain, infection, swelling and other serious problems.

Even if none of these problems occur, your dentist may still recommend removal of the wisdom teeth. Younger patients have less-developed roots, and the bone is less dense, which makes removal easier with fewer complications.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) "strongly recommends wisdom teeth be removed by the time the patient is a young adult, in order to prevent future problems and ensure optimal healing. Research found that older patients may be at greater risk for disease, including periodontal infections which may affect general health." That all being said, speak with your dentist and make an informed decision. In case you are dying to know, I have two out of four still hanging!

What Is My Computer IP » Wisdom Teeth Removal Can Prevent Infection

Many an engaging smile showing straight teeth in youth and early adolescence has been spoiled by the eruption of the wisdom teeth in the late teens and early twenties. This unfortunate event happens when the jaw is just the right size for 28 teeth, but has no room to accommodate the four wisdom teeth when they finally make their appearance. The wisdom teeth push and jostle for space in the mouth, and the existing teeth are often pushed so close together that they cross over one another, or are pushed out of alignment, spoiling a once-enviable smile.

On conventional knowledge, tooth extraction is the fastest way to resolve dental problems. These days, extraction will only be considered if there is no other option as the belief is that natural teeth, well looked after, should last for life. In the case of problem wisdom teeth, though, there are many valid reasons for extraction, and after consulting a dentist patients with painful wisdom teeth often take this option.

A number of things can happen when wisdom teeth are crowded for space. As already shown, they can come through sideways or crooked, but they can also become embedded under gum and bone, or just come through partially. This can cause many undesirable results like pain in chewing and inflammation.

The best timing for wisdom teeth removal is when the tooth has only partly come through the gum and some other instances. This is because bacteria can now enter this opening, causing infection. This opening in the gum can trap food debris which normal brushing and flossing techniques find difficult to remove. This can also cause infection.

If the wisdom tooth is unable to erupt properly through the gum, it can become impacted and more prone to the development of a cyst. Cysts can cause bone destruction, and damage to adjacent teeth. The only way to prevent further bone loss is to remove both the tooth and the cyst.

With the advanced dental surgical techniques available today, wisdom teeth removal is no longer the daunting prospect it once was. A full consultation usually includes x-rays to check on the position of the teeth and advice about the procedure. During the consultation, the patient could also discuss tooth whitening should they wish to further improve the appearance of the teeth.

Yes, there will be swelling pains after the procedure, but then, it is worth when the pain you have suffered for years will eventually be removed. The first step to a pain free state is a consultation with your dentist, and like these other people, you may say you should have done this much earlier in life.

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