Our mouth goes through many changes throughout life, one of them happens between the ages of 17 and 21, when wisdom teeth start to appear. Mrs. de Larroque, an expert in Dentistry, talks about the possible problems that these molars can cause.
What to do when wisdom teeth appear
If the third molars appear healthy, they will help us to chew and will fulfill the functions of a tooth. It is normal that in the process of the appearance of these teeth there is discomfort, but if it persists or becomes an intense pain, it is advisable to visit the dentist.
Do wisdom teeth have room to grow?
The pain caused by wisdom teeth may be due to the lack of space for them to come to the surface. The dentist will determine that they are affected if they are trapped in the jaw or under the gum. As they erupt, the dentist should monitor the mouth and the growth of the teeth, keeping in mind:
- That the wisdom teeth are in the correct position, as the opposite can cause food debris to remain and create tooth decay.
- That the third molars enter correctly and do not hinder the use of dental floss.
- That the partial eruption of the wisdom teeth does not allow bacteria to enter the gums and make it easier for infection to occur. If this happens, pain, swelling and stiffness in the jaw may occur.
- There should be enough space for them to grow, because if there is not, there may be crowding or damage to the surrounding teeth.
- That it does not impact other teeth, in order to avoid the formation of a cyst on or near the impacted tooth. The impact can damage the roots of nearby teeth, even destroying the bone that supports these teeth.
Why extract wisdom teeth
Each patient shows different characteristics during the growth of wisdom teeth, but there are some general reasons why wisdom teeth should be extracted:
- Appearance of dental caries
- Infection
- Tumors
- Cysts
- Gum disease
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Pain.
If the patient suffers from any of these signs and must undergo treatment, tooth extraction is most often indicated. Before doing so, the dentist will study the tooth well by means of an X-ray that shows the relationship of the tooth with the rest of the teeth.
On the other hand, if the dentist considers that extraction is not necessary, the molar should continue to be monitored to prevent future problems.
Tips to avoid problems with wisdom teeth
As the years go by, it is more common for people to suffer from dental health problems, which also include wisdom teeth. In order to avoid these potential problems, it is important to floss around your wisdom teeth and make regular visits to the dentist. Frequent visits will allow the dentist to keep good track of how the tooth is progressing and assess how they influence overall dental health.