Wisdom molars, also called third molars, are the last teeth to erupt - one on each end of the upper and lower rows of teeth. They normally emerge between the age of 18 and 25, the age when a person is said to have attained wisdom.
Why do wisdom teeth give so much trouble?
Lack of room - As wisdom teeth are the last to grow, and you may fid that there isn't enough space in the jawbone for them. Hence, they tend to come out sideways, pushing into the tooth in front and causing pain.
Impaction - Swelling at the far end of the jaw may also occur when a wisdom tooth become impacted (embedded in the bone and soft tissue). In some cases, the tooth only comes out partially and a flap of gum still covers the tooth. Food debris collects between the flap and the tooth, and infection sets in.
Tooth decay - Since wisdom teeth are situated at the very rear of the mouth, it is hard to reach and brush them properly.
What can your dentist do?
» Determine the cause of the pain and treat it.
» Prescribe antibiotics if infection has set in.
» Extract the problematic wisdom tooth if necessary.
» Surgery is usually needed to remove an impacted tooth.
Labels: attained wisdom, impaction, lack of room, third molars, tooth decay, wisdom molars, wisdom tooth
