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Third molars, commonly known as the “wisdom teeth” is as crucial as the rest of the outer set of the teeth. Wisdom teeth are more likely to cause while they erupt, as it breaks through the gum tissue. Between the ages 17 to 21, wisdom teeth normally erupt among few people. As such, at this age there is not enough space in the mouth more a tooth to develop.
Due to lack of space, the wisdom teeth erupt only partially, or sideways or may even become trapped. Hence, this causes a significant amount of pain to the individual. Along with pain, facial swelling, gum line and infection are among the other effects that wisdom teeth have on the individual. In such conditions, the dentist may recommend removal or extraction of the wisdom teeth.
EXTRACTION
Extraction may be defined as a process in which teeth are removed under the impact of local anesthesia. The teeth that cannot be healed and is infected and grossly decayed are extracted. Teeth infected by gum disease can also extracted by the dentist if it reaches a position where it cannot be healed.
IMPACT
Teeth that remain in-erupted or buried in the bone are called impacted teeth. They may also be slightly submerged in comparison to the surrounding teeth owing to lack of space. Late falling out of milk teeth may also cause impacted teeth.
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the most common impacted teeth.
THIRD MOLARS
The last teeth that erupt in the oral cavity are called third molars or wisdom teeth. Such third molars erupt normally in abnormal positions where there is lack of space.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO EXTRACT THIRD MOLARS OR WISDOM TEETH?
Third molars erupt in such positions where it causes difficulties in chewing and eating normally. Cleaning the teeth also gets difficult with the eruption of wisdom teeth. Due to abnormal positioning of the teeth, the food gets stuck between the second and the third molars. This can lead to tooth loss, decay of tooth or in serious case, both.
When the wisdom teeth get stuck between the bone, they may even lead to formation of cysts in the mouth. The cysts gradually wear away the jaw bone without showing any visible symptom whatsoever. Thus, it is necessary to keep a check on the impacted teeth through X-rays.
Third molars also gives way to a lot of oral problems. It puts pressure on the surrounding teeth which leads to overcrowding. Wisdom teeth can also develop on the mandibular nerve that causes severe pain and uneasiness. Caries in the adjacent teeth is also a side-effect of eruption of third molars. In such case, extraction of wisdom teeth becomes absolutely crucial.
Dentists may also recommend extraction of third molars owing to the possibility of potential oral problems it can cause in future.
Third molar that has erupted fully can be removed by normal extraction, while impacted teeth call for minor surgical procedure. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under general anesthesia.