Definition Wisdom teeth that become impacted can cause a variety of problems, from nuisance pain to serious dental disorders. Impacted wisdom teeth often must be surgically removed. Wisdom teeth are your third molars that are way in the back of your mouth. You usually have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of your mouth - two on top, two on bottom. Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to come in, or erupt through the gums. They normally emerge between ages 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth often aren't able to emerge normally and instead become impacted, or trapped within your jaw. Understanding more about impacted wisdom teeth can help you decide how and when to treat them and how to prevent related complications. Symptoms You may never experience problems with your wisdom teeth. They may emerge normally and be trouble-free for the rest of your life. Or, you may have impacted wisdom teeth but remain blissfully unaware, since they don't always cause signs and symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include: Causes Early humans needed wisdom teeth and larger jaws to handle a tougher diet. Today's humans typically have smaller jaws and little use for wisdom teeth. That often means problems as your wisdom teeth begin to emerge. Having pesky wisdom teeth surgically extracted seems almost a rite of passage for teens and young adults. Wisdom teeth develop like your other teeth. But they take the longest to develop and are the last teeth to emerge. Any tooth can become impacted. Because wisdom teeth must fight for space with teeth that have already emerged, they're the teeth most likely to become impacted. At about age 9, the crown of a wisdom tooth begins to form in a small sac inside your jaw. Over time, the tooth grows and the roots become more firmly planted in the jawbone. By your early 20s, the crown of a wisdom tooth should fully emerge from your gum. By your 40s, the roots of your wisdom teeth are solidly planted within the dense bone of the jaw. But wisdom teeth often don't follow this normal development pattern. Today's smaller jaws simply may not have room for this last set of molars to grow properly. So the wisdom teeth may become impacted. The cramped wisdom teeth struggle for a path to grow and emerge. They grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. Sometimes, a wisdom tooth partially emerges through the gums. Other times, it remains completely hidden. Risk factors Having a small jawbone may make you more prone to having impacted wisdom teeth. But otherwise, there are no particular biological or environmental risk factors that make you more likely than someone else to have impacted wisdom teeth. When to seek medical advice If you notice pain or swelling in your mouth, teeth, gums or jaw, contact your dentist right away. Also contact your dentist if you notice any changes in your teeth, such as shifting of position, discoloration or changes in sensitivity. Tests and diagnosis Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and mouth to determine if you have impacted wisdom teeth or if another condition is causing your problems. Such evaluations typically include: Complications Impacted wisdom teeth that aren't removed can cause numerous problems. These problems include: Treatments and drugs Impacted wisdom teeth don't always need to be surgically removed. You have two main treatment options, depending on the severity of your situation and other factors. They are: Conservative treatment Under guidance from your dentist or oral surgeon, you may be able to care for your impacted wisdom teeth and minor problems using mouthwashes, saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers. If complications arise or worsen, surgery might become an option. Surgical extraction Some experts say that impacted wisdom teeth should always be removed, even if they aren't causing problems. The belief is that the impacted tooth will eventually cause problems, and that it's better to remove it when someone is younger and more likely to recover faster from surgery. This is why many teenagers or young adults have their wisdom teeth extracted even before the teeth start causing problems. In addition, if a child might require braces, his or her dentist may recommend extraction of the wisdom teeth first. There's no scientific evidence to recommend for or against extracting impacted wisdom teeth in adults or adolescents if the teeth aren't causing complications. You and your dentist can evaluate your situation to see which treatment option is best for you or your child. Extracting an impacted wisdom tooth To reach the impacted tooth, an incision is made in your gum. The incision creates a flap of gum, which can be peeled back to expose the impacted tooth and jawbone. An impacted wisdom tooth that has partially emerged may be removed with forceps. But if the tooth is fully impacted or if the roots reach deep into the jawbone, the tooth may have to be broken into pieces for removal. In more severe cases, portions of jawbone may be removed. You may need stitches to close the gap in your gum. The socket where your tooth was located is packed with gauze to control bleeding and to help a clot form, which promotes healing. Care after surgery Complications of extraction Other complications can include: Coping and support A visit to the dentist may cause so much anxiety that you can't get yourself to go, despite the pain you're experiencing. The thought of having a tooth extracted may be overwhelming. But if you're having problems related to an impacted wisdom tooth, delaying care could lead to serious and permanent problems. Make sure you have a dentist who is sympathetic and willing to help relieve your fears. Talk to your dentist about your concerns. Don't be embarrassed about your anxiety — it's common, especially when you must have a dental procedure that can be uncomfortable. Many dentists offer ways to ease your anxiety, such as listening to music or watching videos. You may be able to bring along a supportive family member or friend. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and imagery. If you have severe anxiety, talk to your doctor about medications that may help. And of course, you may be able to opt for full sedation during the procedure itself, so you're unconscious through it all.
If impacted widsom teeth aren't causing problems, you and your dentist may choose to simply monitor them. People who can't have their teeth removed because of certain health problems such as a bleeding disorder also need to choose conservative treatment.
Experts agree that when an impacted wisdom tooth causes complications, it should be extracted to prevent further problems.
Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth often can be done in your dentist's office with local anesthesia. However, if the tooth is deeply impacted or if the extraction may be difficult, your dentist may suggest that you consult with an oral surgeon. Sometimes extractions are done in the hospital. You may need general anesthesia for more complicated extractions.
Your dentist or oral surgeon gives you specific instructions about caring for your mouth after extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth. Here are general tips about care after oral surgery:
Recovery after the removal of impacted wisdom teeth is usually quick and without problem. However, complications can arise. Your dentist or surgeon will advise you about signs and symptoms to watch for, such as fever and increasing pain.
www.keralites.net 
Posted by: Junaid Tahir <mjunaidtahir@gmail.com>
| Reply via web post | • | Reply to sender | • | Reply to group | • | Start a New Topic | • | Messages in this topic (1) |
To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.
To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Homepage: http://www.keralites.net
No comments:
Post a Comment