Everything You Need to Know About Your Wisdom Teeth
Teething is not exclusively for toddlers, as adults too must endure the same experience when the wisdom tooth appears. Traditionally, the third molar is called the wisdom tooth as it comes through at mature age. The history behind this late-emerging molar is only interesting till you start suffering pain because of it. However, everyone has different stories to tell. For some, the experience is painless but can wreak major complexities for others.
Hence, regular check-ups and consultations at dentist Five Dock are essential for you to remain on top of your oral health. Dentists will help you form a preventative care program and advise on surgical possibilities. It is recommended to undertake examinations at age 15 or 16, so the dentist can better gauge the growth period and estimated growth trajectory.
What is a Wisdom Tooth?
This late-arriving tooth surfaces during the late teens or early twenties and is also referred to as the “third molars”. Wisdom tooth appears in the rear of the mouth and is visibly identical to existing molars. Like other molars, it is wide, tough, and helps grind food. One theory suggests that our jaws and teeth formation evolved due to changes in our diet. Therefore, some people never develop them, and it is the most common missing tooth in adult mouths.
Unlike most teeth, wisdom teeth erupt when available space is less or taken. Hence, the absence of space creates a problem. The painful experience is because they gradually push through your gums and create alignment problems. It causes gum inflammation and aches around the teeth. Additionally, wisdom tooth also triggers the “impacted” complication.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
It is not uncommon for your wisdom tooth to not grow at the preferred angle. When the wisdom tooth erupts, the lack of available space causes the emerging tooth to get stuck below the surface. It is referred to as “impacted” because the wisdom tooth cannot appear all the way and partial parts of the tooth’s crown are visible. The pain inflicted by the impacted wisdom tooth can range in severity depending on the case. However, it attracts bacteria which will easily enter your gums and severely affect them.
When Should I Get My Wisdom Tooth Removed?
Consult with a qualified dentist to understand if you should proceed with your wisdom tooth extraction. There are numerous cases when a wisdom tooth eruption does not lead to any complications in oral hygiene and teeth formation. Nevertheless, if the tooth is diseased it can cause terrible pain and discomfort. Then you can discuss the issue with the dentist and discuss the extraction based on personal ease.
Furthermore, one can also discuss other non-invasive procedures to counter and relieve your unbearable pain. You can ask for over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen to lessen the pain and reduce gum inflammation. Some dentists also prefer dental numbing gel that helps dull the pain inflicted on the nearby area. You can also explore home remedies like clove oil or salted water to minimize the swelling and neutralize the pain. However, the dentist knows your case best and his/her advice should be not undermined.
