Wisdom Teeth
The normal dentition of a human being consists of 32 teeth, 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw. Each jaw has four front incisors, two canines, four small molars and 6 large molars. The last large molars are the wisdom teeth, of which we usually have 4. The development of the wisdom teeth lasts the longest of all and is often completed only in the adult age. In many cases the available space in the jaw is not sufficient to integrate the wisdom teeth into the row, resulting in displacements and possible complications due to the misalignment.
80% of young adults in Europe therefore have to deal with the removal of wisdom teeth at one point.
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS?
In addition to the general state of health, we first clarify:
- Have the wisdom teeth already led to complaints in the past?
- Is there enough space in the jaw for the teeth to develop normally?
- What risks are to be expected from the removal?
- Are the wisdom teeth suitable to replace damaged molars?
In order to answer these questions, an X-ray of the jaw is usually taken in which the teeth can be seen very well. In special cases, e.g. when the wisdom viscosity is located close to important anatomical structures and nerves, it is advisable to take a 3D X-ray in advance for safe treatment.
WHAT DANGERS CAN WISDOM TEETH POSE?
Normally, tooth development is complete when all the teeth, including the wisdom teeth, are properly positioned in the row of teeth. If this development cannot be stopped completely, a number of typical complications can occur.
- If the tooth is only partially in the oral cavity and partially overgrown with gums, infections can form. Germs and food leftovers can accumulate in this pocket and sometimes trigger threatening abscesses.
- Narrow pockets around the wisdom teeth are very difficult to clean, as a result caries can develop and damage the neighbouring teeth.
- The pressure of oblique wisdom teeth can damage the neighboring teeth and their roots.
- Cysts can form in the bone in the area of the displaced wisdom teeth.
- Relocated wisdom teeth also represent weak points in the jaw; in this area, for example, a fall often leads to fractures of the jaw.
WHEN SHOULD THE WISDOM TEETH BE REMOVED?
- For wisdom tooth infections.
- If the teeth are badly damaged and cannot be filled.
- For cysts in the wisdom teeth area.
- If adjacent teeth or their roots are resorbed by the wisdom teeth.
- If the wisdom teeth interfere with normal biting or chewing.
- If a wisdom tooth lies in the area of the cleft in a fracture of the jaw.
WHEN IS THE EXAMINATION OF THE WISDOM TEETH USEFUL?
- If you plan a longer stay abroad to a place without medical care
- If an orthodontic treatment is complicated by the position of the wisdom teeth.
WHEN CAN THE WISDOM TEETH BE LEFT?
- When it is foreseeable that the wisdom teeth will fit normally into the row of teeth.
- If the wisdom teeth lie so deep in the bone and the operative risk exceeds the benefit.
- If no long-term damage can be expected from the position and position of the teeth.
Contact
DR. BLUME
ZAHNMEDIZIN & ORALCHIRURGIE
Erthalstraße 1
55118 Mainz
T (06131) 67 81 81
F (06131) 67 81 83
E-Mail: info@zahnmedizin-blume.de
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