Tooth Extraction
There are a number of reasons why a tooth extraction is needed :
- The tooth is severely decayed
- Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease)
- The tooth may be broken such that it cannot be repaired
- Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as
- impacted wisdom teeth)
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment
- Effects of Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing its neighboring teeth will tend to shift, sometimes significantly, which in turn can have a major impact on your dental health. Even the removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and the problem of a possibility that the surrounding teeth of predispose the teeth may shifted.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, your dentist will probably recommend to you to replace the tooth that has been extracted. Restorations for missing teeth includes:
The Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth. The third molars usually will try to grow in at around age 18 to 20 years.
Wisdom teeth are actually no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt. They are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship, and have healthy gum tissue around them. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
When wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth properly, they are referred to as impacted. A dentist must examine a patient's mouth and corresponding x-rays to determine if the teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly. Impacted teeth may cause problems. Here are several common problems that occurs when the impacted wisdom teeth are not removed:
- Bacteria and plaque build-up
- Decay of adjacent teeth
- Formation of cysts (a fluid- filled sac) or tumors from follicle
- Tumor development
- Infection
- Jaw and gum disease
Erupted wisdom teeth may need to be removed. The dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal if wisdom tooth :
- Interferes with the bite
- Non-functional
- Badly decayed
- Involved with or at risk for periodontal disease
- Interferes with restoration of an adjacent tooth
- Every case is different and only your dentist can determine if there is a reason for you to have a tooth removed.
Symptons of Wisdom Tooth Eruption
The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include :
- Pain
- Infection in the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth
|
