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Wisdom Teeth
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Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth and are the teeth least needed for good oral health. Wisdom teeth are highly variable: most individuals have four of these teeth, but some individuals have three, two, one, or none at all. As we have evolved, the jaws have decreased in size, leading to reduced room for these teeth. This sometimes causes problems.
Poorly positioned wisdom teeth can cause gum disease, damage to adjacent teeth, and decay (due to the inability of your toothbrush to keep the area clean). In very rare circumstances, unerupted wisdom teeth can produce cysts or tumors in the jaw. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of problem wisdom teeth. Whether you have obvious symptoms or not, it is important to diagnose existing or potential problems caused by your wisdom
teeth. Removal of the teeth is sometimes the wisest decision for your health and well-being. A discussion with your dentist will help determine the right course of action for you.
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Horizontal Impaction. Note that the tooth is perpendicular to the other teeth. These teeth can never erupt correctly.
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Vertical Impaction. In time, vertically impacted teeth may erupt normally.
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| Mesial Impaction is the most common malposition of the wisdom tooth. Note that the angle prevents complete eruption. |
Distal Impaction. The term “distal” simply means that the wisdom tooth is angled back, towards the rear of the mouth. These teeth can never erupt correctly. |
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