 Wisdom
teeth can function in one’s mouth when they are healthy and properly
positioned. However, for most individuals, their wisdom teeth need to
be removed. Wisdom teeth are third molars that usually appear between
the ages of 18 and 20. They may also appear when an individual is
older, younger, or may not appear at all. They are called "wisdom
teeth" because they appear so much later.Most of
Dr. Kaye’s patients
require their wisdom teeth to be removed due to the following two
major factors:
- Their jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth.
- The wisdom teeth become impacted, which means they are unable to
fully come in through the gum and/or they are misaligned. For
example, wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from
the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. This leaves an
opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an
infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can
result. Also, a cyst can form, destroying surrounding structures such
as bone or tooth roots.
The various types of terminology used to describe wisdom teeth
problems are as follows:
- Mesioangular impaction is the most common problem, and means the
tooth is angled forward, towards the front of the mouth.
- Vertical impaction occurs when the formed tooth does not erupt
fully through the gum line.
- Horizontal impaction occurs when the tooth is angled fully 90 degrees forward, growing into the roots of the second molar.
- Distoangular impaction is the least common form, and means the
tooth is angled backward, towards the rear of the mouth.
Many of Dr. Kaye’s patients experience some or all of the following
symptoms associated with their wisdom teeth:
- Pain
- Infection in the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Swelling of the gum line in the back of the mouth
Dr. Kaye recommends early removal of symptomatic wisdom teeth, preferably
during teen years, to decrease the potential for risks and
complications. Sometimes asymptomatic wisdom teeth are removed
for preventive reasons. Wisdom tooth
extraction surgery can involve removing bone, and/or gum tissue that
covers the tooth, gently detaching the connective tissue
between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth, and suturing the
opening in the gum line. Dr. Kaye can perform
this procedure under general anesthesia or IV sedation if requested by
the patient. Visit our
cosmetic/aesthetic
dentistry office located in
Beverly Hills,
CA,
conveniently near
the
West
Los Angeles,
Westwood,
Santa Monica,
and Hollywood,
California
(CA) areas. |
