Wisdom teeth
Eruption of a wisdom teeth
It is only around the age of 18 to 21 that the permanent dentition is completed with the eruption of the wisdom teeth. These 3rd molars located at the very back of the dental arches are slow growing and sometimes problematic.
It is mainly the lack of space on the arch that prevents the teeth from growing and positioning themselves correctly.
Oral health problems caused by wisdom teeth:
- Cavities
- Pain
- Abscesses and cysts
- Gum infections where the tooth has partially come out
- Deterioration of adjacent teeth
- Overlapping of teeth on the arch
Removal of wisdom teeth
Sometimes it is best to remove wisdom teeth to avoid all of these complications. Regular monitoring of the progress of wisdom teeth growth allows the dentist to ensure that they are following a proper path and that there is enough space available. X-rays reveal what is happening under the gums and help the dentist determine if they should be removed before they cause problems.
Their extraction is more complex than any other tooth. Because they are located deep in the dental arch and are often completely embedded in the gum, it is a delicate surgical procedure. A complete examination of the oral situation and an evaluation of the overall health are necessary before making the decision to proceed with the extraction.
The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, but it is sometimes recommended that the patient be given general anesthesia.