Wisdom Teeth: Impactions and Extractions

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the last tooth position of each jaw quadrant. They are the last teeth to grow, usually appearing between the ages of 16 and 34. People usually have four wisdom teeth, but it's possible to have more or fewer than that. Extra wisdom teeth are called supernumerary wisdom teeth. Absence of one or more is a condition called hypodontia.

Wisdom teeth are extracted to correct an existing problem (e.g., when a wisdom tooth is impacted) or to prevent problems that may arise in the future. Problems that may be caused by impacted wisdom teeth include infections due to food particles trapped in the area where brushing and flossing is difficult or ineffective. In certain cases, such infections are a frequent occurrence, which can cause a person to suffer considerable pain, even medical danger. Impacted wisdom teeth causing increasingly higher pressure inside the jaws as the teeth grow can also cause unbearable suffering.

Wisdom tooth extraction should only be performed by a dental professional with sufficient training and experience in such procedures. The reasons behind a patient's need to have his wisdom teeth extracted should be explained to him fully by his dentist after a dental examination, which often includes x-rays. A panoramic x-ray is the best available diagnostic tool for people with problematic wisdom teeth.

How to Take Good Care of Your Dental Implants

People who have certain types of periodontal diseases, and those who have completely lost some of their teeth can benefit from having a dental implant procedure. This is an excellent way to restore the beauty of one’s smile, and restore full function. Nevertheless, there are certain things that people who have implants need to know in properly caring for their new teeth.

In the first few days after the surgery, the area around your implants should be considered a no-brush zone, since your wound isn't fully healed yet during this period. You can ask your dental professional to prescribe a mouth wash for you to use during these critical days.

After a week or so, you can now brush your teeth as you would the rest of your chompers. Remember to use a special brush for sensitive teeth, though. You might want one with a bent or bendable handle so you can reach behind the abutments. Floss thoroughly after every meal.

Keep talking to your dentist after the surgery to tell him how your implants are doing. If you feel any strange pain sensation around the surgery in the first few weeks, notify him immediately. You may need to get routine x-rays for maintenance, too.

Even though your implant is meant to restore your bite to normal more than crowns and bridges ever could, be careful about biting on hard food items, chewing on ice, or eating very sticky food. You should also know that smoking and coffee may easily stain your new implants rather easily.