Wisdom Tooth
WISDOM TOOTH IS...
- Also known as third molar or the last tooth erupted in both upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible).
- Usually erupted after the age of 17-year-old.
- The most impacted teeth due to lack of space or disproportionate tooth to jaw size.
- 25% of impacted cases reported worldwide without any sexual or racial predilection.
- However, 30% of the world population is presented with congenitally missing wisdom teeth.
- It may be resulted of genetic factors or disruption during the tooth development process.
WHY YOU NEED TO REMOVE IT...
The wisdom tooth is indicated to be removed if:
- Recurrent pain due to pericoronitis
- Unrestorable caries
- Involvement of pathology such as cyst or tumor
- Tooth in the line of fracture that may obstructing the reduction to fracture
- Crowding
- Periodontal or Gum diseases
- Orthognathic surgery
IS IT SAFE TO REMOVE IT...
Yes, the procedure is safe and can be conducted either in the dental clinic or operating theatre. Patients must undergo a thorough clinical assessment. Visual clinical examination with attention to tooth, gum and other structures must be carried out. This is very crucial to prevent unnecessary post operative complication and for surgical planning. Patient will be asked about.
- Site of pain
- Onset and duration of pain
- Pain density and radiation
- Pain relieving and aggravating factor
Wisdom teeth are vestigial (unnecessary) features of our bodies. Most people intend to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, if your wisdom teeth erupt in alignment with your other teeth and do not cause any issues, you may not need to do anything.