Wisdom Teeth
About Wisdom Teeth
Do you or your child need your wisdom teeth removed? Wisdom teeth are the last set of your molars to come through your gums, and they usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. In some cases, there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through and the teeth become either partially or fully impacted, and this is where they get their notorious reputation.
Wisdom Tooth Assessment
Before a wisdom tooth is removed, it must be carefully assessed as any surgical intervention always carries risks and complications. At Sublime Dental®, we truly believe in the ‘do no harm’ motto when it comes to all treatments and cases, which means that we will fully inform you of possible complications and help to provide you with the treatment that is best suited to you. We strive to achieve the best possible result for you.
Partial Impaction Cases
In a partial impaction case, the wisdom tooth has tried to erupt but is hindered by a surrounding structure such as the adjacent tooth or the jaw itself. The tooth then causes pain to the area due to the harbouring of bacteria underneath the gum or flap, which acts like a nasty food trap and cause rapid decay of the wisdom tooth and surrounding teeth. In severe cases, the adjacent tooth may require root canal therapy to save the tooth. Other symptoms of a partially impacted wisdom tooth may include bad breath, swelling of gums, an unpleasant taste in your mouth or pain when eating.
Completely Impacted Cases
In cases where the wisdom tooth is completely impacted, the tooth may lay dormant in the jawbone. Close monitoring is required to ensure that a benign cyst doesn’t develop around the tooth. In other cases, the pressure of the wisdom tooth on the adjacent tooth may result in the loss of both teeth. Symptoms of a dormant wisdom tooth include intermittent pain or dull discomfort as the tooth creates pressure as it attempts to erupt.