1. Useless Tools
People may have evolved since the days of cavemen; unfortunately, teeth have not. Some people believe that the third set of molars, also known as wisdom teeth, gave our hunting and gathering ancestors the extra tools necessary for such a harsh diet. For the refined palates of today, however, there is no need for wisdom teeth. Most people will need to address their wisdom teeth at some point in their life.
2. Causes Serious Dental Problems
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that never erupt above the gum surface. While teeth-in-hiding may seem preferable to the cosmetic havoc that fully-erupted wisdom teeth can cause in your mouth, there are also hidden dangers in what lies beneath. While some people never experience the discomfort of this dental malady, others will suffer the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. These complications include pain and swelling, headaches and jaw aches and bad breath from trapped food particles and bacteria. Because wisdom teeth often do not have the room to grow vertically, they can grow at various angles in the jaw, causing serious problems to your teeth and gums. People with impacted wisdom teeth are candidates for gum disease, over-crowding, decay and cysts. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth are those that do not emerge fully from the gums. As with impacted wisdom teeth, you may experience similar complications from partially-erupted wisdom teeth.
3. Extracting the Problem
Depending on the condition of your wisdom teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon will choose the most effective treatment option. Conservative treatment consists of close monitoring through routine exams and x-rays. Your dentist will also educate you on the methods of wisdom teeth care, including oral rinses and pain relief. An oral surgeon or dentist may choose to remove one or all of your wisdom teeth to prevent further complications. The doctor will extract the tooth using local anesthesia where you are awake for the procedure or general anesthesia if he anticipates a difficult surgery.
4. Rest and Ice Help
Following post-surgical care instructions after removing wisdom teeth is important to promote a quick and healthy healing. You should plan on resting immediately following the surgery, especially if you are recovering from general anesthesia. Drink plenty of clear liquids and eat only soft foods. Apply ice packs as needed to control swelling and take either a prescription or over the counter pain reliever. Rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution at least six times a day for the first few days following the extraction.
5. Getting Over Your Fear
Some people may delay having wisdom teeth removed out of their natural fear of going to the dentist. If you are one of these people, you should know that routine dental care can actually lessen the severity of complications associated with wisdom teeth. Dentists agree that removing wisdom teeth when a person is younger and has a more spongy jaw is easier than when she is older. Recovery is usually faster and easier as well.
