Wisdom Teeth Removal | 25 May 2021
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars. The wisdom teeth usually start to erupt through the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but you may have more or fewer. Wisdom teeth serve very little purpose in today’s world, but our ancestors needed them to grind up the fibrous raw plants that made up much of their diet.
Because wisdom teeth often cause pain and swelling and can sometimes become stuck (impacted) in the jaw which leads to infections, your dentist might recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed. Alternatively, if your wisdom teeth are not currently causing you any problems, your dentist might suggest leaving them in place and monitoring their development.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth can be removed to prevent serious dental problems from developing. Often, they are difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth; wisdom teeth provide a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and other oral hygiene problems. Here are some of the most common complications caused by wisdom teeth:
Inflammation
The soft tissue around the wisdom teeth can become painfully inflamed, due to infection.
Cavities
Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and are therefore very susceptible to cavities, which are difficult to treat. The decay can spread to the second molar (the tooth next to the wisdom tooth) which may then need to be extracted.
Poor positioning
Adjacent teeth can shift their positions in response to the presence of wisdom teeth.
Gum disease
Impacted wisdom teeth are contained within the same gum tissue that supports the back molars. If this tissue becomes diseased, the molars may have to be removed, which can lead to difficulties with chewing.
Pain and swelling associated with the wisdom teeth can be signs of a serious problem. You should consult an oral surgeon as soon as possible. Until your appointment, you can manage the pain by taking over the counter pain medicine.
For more advice about wisdom teeth extraction or for a consultation in Dubai at our LCAS Dubai Healthcare City Clinic, please contact 04-375 2393, WhatsApp +971 52 915 1461or email gulf@LCAS.com