impacted
wisdom teeth / wisdom teeth extractions
The
removal of impacted wisdom teeth has become so common place
that the act of having these extractions performed has practically
become a right of passage for teenagers. Our discussion
about wisdom teeth will describe for you which
teeth are the wisdom teeth and also what
conditions must exist for a wisdom tooth to be considered
"impacted". We'll also explain for you some of the common
reasons why dentists recommend the extraction of wisdom
teeth, as well as some reasons
why the removal of these teeth might not be indicated.
Our pages discuss the
best age at which to have wisdom teeth extractions and
also explain some of the common
risks and complications associated with this type of oral
surgery. Additionally, we make mention of some of the
different methods
of sedation oral surgeons commonly use with patients undergoing
impacted wisdom teeth removal, as well as some tips
related to post
extraction recovery.
What
are "wisdom teeth"?
"Wisdom
teeth" are a type of molar, molars are the chewing teeth
found furthest in the back of the mouth. Most humans have
first, second, and third molars.
Third molars, which are the "wisdom teeth", come in behind
the 2nd molars (if there is room for them and they are aligned
properly) usually during a person's late teens or early
twenties. A person will have four wisdom teeth: upper left,
upper right, lower left, and lower right.
What
are "impacted wisdom teeth"?
In
dental terminology "impacted" means that a tooth has failed
to emerge fully into its expected position. This may occur
either because there is not room enough in the jaw for the
tooth, or else because the angulation of the tooth is improper.
Classifications of impacted wisdom teeth.Dentist use specific
terms to describe the positioning of impacted wisdom teeth.
The most common type of impacted wisdom teeth are those
that are Mesially impacted. The term "mesial" simply means
that the wisdom tooth is angled forward, towards the front
of the mouth.
Why
can wisdom teeth be impacted?
The
reason why wisdom teeth can be impacted is not an easy question
to answer. The primary cause of wisdom tooth impaction is
simply that there is inadequate jawbone space behind the person's
second molar (the second molar comes in and is already positioned
some years before the wisdom teeth erupt). Why this lack of
space exists is not fully understood, however there does seem
to be a correlation between large tooth size and tooth crowding
and the presence of impacted wisdom teeth.
It has been theorized that the coarse nature of stone age
man's diet produced extensive tooth wear, not only on the
chewing surface of the teeth but also on the aspects of the
teeth which contact their neighbors. The net effect of this
wear would be to reduce the collective "length" of the teeth
as a set, thus providing enough jawbone space to accommodate
the wisdom teeth. In comparison the diet of modern man does
not typically result in severe tooth attrition.
It has also been argued that the coarseness of stone age man's
diet, as compared to modern man's relatively soft diet, probably
required greater activity of the "chewing" muscles. This activity
could have stimulated greater jawbone growth, thus providing
more space for wisdom teeth.
The rough and tumble world of the cave man no doubt often
lead to broken teeth and even tooth loss. Once a tooth (or
a portion of it) is missing the teeth behind it have a tendency
to move forward. This shifting would make available more jawbone
space for the wisdom teeth. In comparison, with the advent
of dentistry, and especially today, there are relatively few
reasons why a tooth would be lost or remain in a state of
disrepair.
Impacted
Wisdom Teeth
- Page
1
What are impacted
wisdom teeth?
What are the classifications
of impacted wisdom teeth?
- Page
2
Why should impacted
wisdom teeth be extracted?
- Page
3
At what age should
wisdom teeth be removed?
What are the complications
and risks associated with impacted wisdom teeth removal?
- Page
4 The
wisdom tooth extraction process.
What to expect.
Numbing the wisdom
tooth.
Sedating the patient.
Post extraction
recovery.
- Page
5
How much do impacted
wisdom teeth extractions cost?
|
