Wisdom Teeth Patient Information 1 About Your Wisdom Teeth
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Wisdom Teeth Patient Information 1 About Your Wisdom Teeth What You Need to Know Also known as “third molars”, wisdom teeth don’t usually push through the gums until individuals reach their late teens, early 20’s or sometimes even older. Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to push through the gums. Most individuals have four wisdom teeth while some individuals have none. For many, there is not enough space at the rear of the jaw for wisdom teeth to easily push through the gums. When the jaw lacks space for the wisdom tooth to push through, the tooth becomes “impacted” or wedged in. Impacted wisdom teeth may not necessarily be a problem for some people while others may experience severe problems. If any wisdom teeth cause problems, they must be removed as soon as possible before the situation worsens. Sometimes, if it appears that the wisdom teeth will be difficult to remove, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Depending on the shape and position of some wisdom teeth and the shape of the jaws, it’s occasionally recommendable that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon removes the wisdom teeth. When to Remove Teeth Your dentist will need to inspect your mouth, jaws and x-rays before discussing the diagnosis with you. It may be required that one or more of your wisdom teeth are removed, or other options are needed to be discussed. If there has been an infection, it may need to be treated before the surgery is performed. Sometimes, even if the wisdom tooth has caused problems, the situation may remedy once it has pushed through the gum. Your dentist may delay surgery to see if it is no longer causing problems. Some impacted wisdom teeth never cause problems, while others can be quite problematic and need urgent removal. The decision to remove your wisdom teeth is yours. 1 About Your Wisdom Teeth Talk To Your Dentist This brochure provides general information only about wisdom teeth and is not a substitute for advice from your dentist. Not all facts and information about wisdom teeth are provided in this document. This brochure should only be given after consultation with your dentist. Talk to your dentist about all the benefits and risks of wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist will be happy to answer any questions pertaining to your diagnosis, teeth, surgery and anaesthesia. Please read this brochure carefully. Some terminology in this brochure may need further explanation by a dentist so talk to him or her about this at your next appointment. Your dentist can not give a guarantee that treatment will meet all your expectations and has no risk. If you are unsure about the advice you have received, seek a second opinion from another dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Consent form: Your dentist may ask you to sign a consent form if you decide to have your wisdom teeth removed. Please read it carefully and if you have any questions, ask a dentist for more information. 2 IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH Potential Problems CROWDING TREATMENT OF INFECTION Wisdom teeth may push Infections may be treated in several ways. Your neighbouring teeth out of dentist may clean the infected area around the correct alignment. tooth. You may be advised to rinse your mouth with a solution of one teaspoon of salt and a glass PAIN of warm water. The water should be as warm as The wisdom tooth may put possible, but not uncomfortably hot. pressure on the tooth next to it, causing pain. Infection around the wisdom tooth You may be prescribed disinfectant mouthwash Impacted Wisdom Teethmay also cause pain. and pain relief. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. 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