Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are usually the last of the permanent teeth to erupt and they usually appear during a person's late teens and early twenties. While wisdom teeth are not always necessary, they can cause a variety of problems if they are not properly cared for. When a wisdom tooth erupts, it can be misaligned and become impacted, causing pain and discomfort. An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to overcrowding of other teeth, as well as difficulty in brushing and flossing. In addition, an impacted wisdom tooth can create a pocket of bacteria that can cause gum inflammation and infection, which in turn can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To prevent these problems, dentists may recommend that wisdom teeth be removed. Wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure, and can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. After the wisdom teeth have been removed, the dentist will place gauze over the area to stop any bleeding, and the patient may need to stay for a few hours afterwards in order to recover. Following the procedure, the patient should avoid strenuous activities and stick to a soft diet for the first few days. The area where the tooth was removed may be sore and swollen, and the patient should take care to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Overall, wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems if not properly cared for. If a wisdom tooth erupts and becomes impacted, it is best to have it removed as soon as possible in order to prevent further complications.