Wisdom teeth are the rear molars that erupt sometime around your late teens or early 20s. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, although every patient is different, with some people having no wisdom teeth at all. These teeth can impact into the gum, causing gum infection or can even get jammed or wedged with neighbouring teeth causing food impaction and resulting in tooth decay. If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, this is why a dentist may suggest they be removed.
Sometimes your wisdom teeth fail to come out completely through the gum and the gum at the back extends over the biting surface of the last tooth. This leaves an opportunity for bacteria to accumulate around this tooth. This can lead to pain, swelling and jaw stiffening. In the lower jaw the pain may even go down the lower jaw and the neck area. In such cases, the wisdom tooth will commonly require removal.
In the upper jaw, the last molars may erupt towards the cheek, due to insufficient space, which can grate against the check, causing ulcers and chewing problems. Due to poor access with cleaning these last molars, can cause food accumulation, resulting in decay of these teeth. In such cases, recommended treatment is removal of the upper last molars. Sometimes it may be recommended to take a preventive approach by extracting wisdom teeth even before they cause problems.
The roots of wisdom teeth in a teenager are still forming, which means wisdom tooth removal is easier and safer. Later in life the roots of wisdom teeth are completely formed and embedded firmly in the bone.
During the initial consultation, an examination, a thorough medical history and an OPG (Panoramic X-ray) will be carried out. The x-ray will allow us to see the exact number of wisdom teeth and the location of the wisdom teeth to develop a personal treatment plan for you.
The procedure will be explained to you together with the risks and complications that are involved during the procedure.
Consent will be obtained from you, to carry out the procedure during this visit.
Generally wisdom teeth removal should be delayed in the presence of infection. It is generally preferable to control the infection with antibiotics and carry out the surgical procedure at a later time.
Wisdom teeth removal is definitely NOT something that people look forward to. But modern surgical and anaesthetic technique, have now combined to make wisdom teeth removal a much more acceptable procedure than in the past.
Dental radiographs (x-rays) show the structures of your teeth and mouth that cannot be seen visually during your clinical examination. X-rays also allow us to see the very early signs of decay which means we can start treatment early – sometimes without having to do a filling! From time to time there are other more specific reasons to take an x-ray, for example, infection or to check on wisdom teeth. Dental x-rays require small radiation doses (even smaller now that we have digital x-rays!) however, we never take them unnecessarily.
We encourage you to bring your children in with you to your check-up appointments from very early on. This introduces them to the dental environment and the Dentist in a non-threatening way and allows your child to have confidence when it is their turn.
You can introduce a soft children’s toothbrush from 12 months (earlier if tolerated by the infant) and just use water.
Many comparisons have been made between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque effectively and prevent or reduce calculus (tartar) build-up, thereby reducing the development of gum disease. Research studies have indicated both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly, which mean it is not so much the brush you use, but how you use it is the critical factor. Many people are choosing to use a power toothbrush, especially older patients who find them easier to hold. Advice from our dental hygienists can help ensure that your brushing routine is effective no matter which brush you prefer to use.
Clinically referred to as halitosis, bad breath is an unpleasant condition that is cause for embarrassment both socially and professionally. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware they have a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see one of our dentists for an assessment as they can help to identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment programme to help eliminate it. What you eat affects the air you exhale. Sometimes bad breath is attributed to certain foods such as garlic and onions. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on your tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour.
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