 |
|
|
|
DENTAL
FAQ's Wisdom
teeth
It is
characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things."(Henry David
Thoreau) Extract?
Don't extract? It's not always so clear cut... Q: I have
some small teeth coming though my gums at the back of my mouth, I presume
these are my wisdom teeth. They aren't painful but uncomfortable and a bit
sore. What are wisdom teeth and what should I do about this? A: The term
"wisdom tooth" refers to what we in the profession call a
"third molar", which is the tooth that is situated immediately
behind the second molar. Time of eruption, position, size, and shape of
these teeth are highly variable. Because these
teeth sometimes erupt into an improper position, problems frequently
result. A tooth that is severely tipped or largely submerged beneath the
gum is prone to infection in the surrounding gum tissue. Additionally,
such a tooth may cause damage or decay to the tooth immediately in front
(second molar). If a wisdom tooth is fully impacted (completely submerged
beneath the gum), there is a remote possibility of cyst formation. There is
controversy regarding the wisdom tooth issue. Because these teeth usually
aren't logistically important for chewing or other purposes, and because
of the problems that commonly result from the presence of these teeth,
oral surgeons frequently recommend that they be extracted when they fail
to erupt properly. If you are of a cynical nature, you might conclude that
the surgeons have a financial incentive to make such a recommendation, but
there are legitimate arguments to be made. Counterbalancing the arguments
for extraction are the potential problems resulting from extraction:
postoperative pain, dry socket, bleeding, infection, or injury to the
nerve supplying the lip. We take a
conservative approach. If symptoms are mild, we allow the patient to wait
a period to see whether the pain disappears, persists, or worsens. If the
frequency or severity of painful episodes merits it, we will recommend
extraction. Similarly, if pathological change (decay, severe infection,
cyst formation, etc.) occur, we will recommend extraction, even in the
absence of symptoms. If you are
younger than age 20, you should know that your wisdom teeth may not have
yet assumed their final position. Further eruption of these teeth may
bring an end to your symptoms. Then again, it may not. We would advise you
to consult with your dentist, since specific factors that you may present
may render our treatment philosophy inappropriate for you.
|
|
| Learning | |
|
|
|
|
© Copyright 2005 kumaridental.tripod.com All rights reserved |
|
