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The Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth

The common problems associated with wisdom teeth are their eruption out of the gum line can be impeded by skeletal structures and membranes surrounding them. When wisdom teeth erupt out of the gum line, they may cause decay because of food particles that accumulate in the back of the mouth.

There is also an increased risk of developing periodontitis (gum disease) because of the accumulation of plaque and calculus on wisdom teeth. The potential for periodontitis can be reduced by brushing your teeth regularly and flossing daily. It is recommended that dental hygiene visits take place every 3-4 months or when symptoms arise, whichever is sooner. Periodontitis is treatable but if it may progress, it will cause bone loss and tooth loss.

Wisdom teeth can be impacted because of overcrowding of the jaw and growing too fast. After a second molar erupts, there may not be enough room for it to grow fully in the jaw. Bacteria that cause infection can accumulate around these teeth as well. To avoid these common problems associated with wisdom teeth, it may be recommended that your wisdom teeth are extracted. This is called a “wisdom tooth extraction.” The removal of wisdom teeth helps to prevent the potential of serious dental problems in your future.

Irritation of the soft tissues and bones in the mouth can occur if wisdom teeth are not at a normal height. This irritation can predispose people to plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease. If a wisdom tooth is not positioned properly, it may irritate the adjacent tooth or teeth. The irritated teeth may become inflamed and damage their supporting bone. Infection can also develop under an impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause bone loss or even death of bone tissue when left untreated. The oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans can infect the gums and cause periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to the loss of teeth because of the infection. If a wisdom tooth becomes painful and infected, it may spread to other teeth. The infection of wisdom teeth can also spread within the jawbone if not treated promptly. This will cause swelling and inflammation.

When a wisdom tooth becomes affected and requires extraction, two roots will be present. The anterior or front tooth root is normally small and in the upper jaw. The second or posterior tooth root is larger than the anterior one and is normally found in the lower jaw. Dental x-rays may be taken to aid with diagnosing wisdom teeth infection, inflammation, or decay. Removal of the tooth can be performed to prevent infection or further damage to the jaws.

Many people think dental braces are used only for straightening teeth. However, they are also used in the extraction of wisdom teeth. The Orthodontists fit braces on a patient before the extraction of wisdom teeth so that they do not suffer from pain and discomfort after the surgery.