Wisdom teeth: an overview guide to navigating them
Usually the last teeth of all to arise: it is atypical for wisdom teeth to make their initial appearance until the age of around late adolescence, early adulthood or further.
Though some may have entirely absent wisdom teeth, the vast majority of individuals have a set of 4. There is, however - a highly predominant issue in regards to insufficient mouth room in many people: specifically lack of back jaw space. When this occurs and teeth do not have adequate room to sprout, a common complication may occur: known as “impaction”- in other words a stuck tooth. In certain circumstances, this remains harmless and the teeth continue as normal. Unfortunately, in other cases there is potential for critical issues to manifest: which may render tooth removal necessary. In this event, your dental surgeon may discuss an extraction with you. It is a highly and frequently performed procedure that should be undertaken as promptly as is feasible, to avoid further issues. In instances of challenging removals, you may be referred to a surgeon: such as an oral or maxillofacial one. In select cases it is desirable for these surgeons to conduct removal: as a result of growth angle/shape of the jaw or teeth.
In certain circumstances, this remains harmless and the teeth continue as normal. Unfortunately, in other cases there is potential for critical issues to manifest: which may render tooth removal necessary. In this event, your dental surgeon may discuss an extraction with you. It is a highly and frequently performed procedure that should be undertaken as promptly as is feasible, to avoid further issues. In instances of challenging removals, you may be referred to a surgeon: such as an oral or maxillofacial one. In select cases it is desirable for these surgeons to conduct removal: as a result of growth angle/shape of the jaw or teeth.
Going ahead with tooth extraction:
In order to obtain a diagnosis, X-rays alongside a general mouth and jaw inspection will likely commence, to allow your dentist to best recommend further steps. They may conclude either removal of a sole tooth or multiple, or alternative methods. In the case of an infection- treatment may first be necessary prior to surgery to optimise safety.
Note also: even if issues with a tooth arise, they may later calm once it has sprouted through the gum fully. Hence, surgeries may also be postponed by the dentist to await a potential automatic resolution. It is important to remember wisdom teeth do not always present issues, nor require extraction - and you remain the sole decider in this regard.
A dentist may suggest prompt extraction for numerous reasons:
- Insufficient sprouting space for teeth to arise.
- Initiation of problems: that require removal to be undergone in prevention of discomfort/pain, infection or further complications.
Removal at a youthful age is optimal. The reason being: in a younger individual tooth roots have not been properly established, and bone area around teeth is more soft and malleable.
Higher extraction ease is hence permitted: with diminished damage hazard to nerves, bones and the rest of the teeth.
Engage in discussion with the dentist:
The relevant information presented in this article serves to illustrate a general guide and overview, and may not be substituted for the advice of a dental professional.
Consulting with your dentist is necessary in the event of any uncertainty or inquiry, and they will carefully be able to attend to them. Thoroughly overviewing and bookmarking this guide is recommended to refer to it as desired. Specific medical connotations used may be clarified by your dentist if unclear: simply jot down any questions.
Note: It is not ensured by the dentist that undergoing treatment will come without hazard or comply with every preconceived desire you may hold. In the event you feel you’ve received questionable advice, you may find it considerable to obtain an alternate opinion from a secondary professional or an oral/maxillofacial surgeon. Please refer to this information only in discussion with your dentist.
Consent form:
In the event you proceed with extraction, you may be required by the dentist to sign a form of consent. Ensure you attentively browse and retain this information. Any inquiries may then be made accordingly to your dentist.
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Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people who are the Traditional Owners of the land of Brunswick and the City of Moreland, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.