Ever wondered if you have got wisdom teeth or if they need to be removed? Here is some basic advice regarding this subject.

 

• The normal time frame for the eruption of wisdom teeth is between the ages of 17 and 25.
• If a tooth does not erupt within the normal time frame it is identified considered as being impacted and needs seeing to.

 

 

What are the dangers of leaving wisdom teeth after the eruption time has expired?

 

• Pain (sometimes severe). For example headaches and atypical facial pains.
• Skew teeth.
• External resorption of the adjacent teeth.
• Tooth decay.
• Pericoronitis ( A localized gum infection).
• Cellulitis (an infection which spreads into the whole face)
• Ludwig’s angina (an infection which spreads to the area of the vocal cords and may cause serious breathing problems – normally hospitalization is required)
• Cyst formation
• A variety of benign as well as malignant tumors.
• Backache.
• Eye infection.
• Jaw fractures.

 

 

The following picture shows a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Note the little piece of gum overlapping the crown. This is the trigger for localized and widespread infection.