Definition
Wisdom teeth are the third and last molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They come in during your late teen years or early twenties. They are also usually the last teeth to erupt!
Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
Have you ever felt like you were teething as an adult? Often times you may experience pressure or swelling in the back of your mouth! This is one of the few known wisdom teeth symptoms.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are many different side-effects that indicate time for extraction.
Common Conditions
The most common conditions include:
- cysts
- infection
- damage to adjacent teeth
- pain
- gum disease
Reasons for Extraction
Many times wisdom teeth will not have enough room to erupt causing them to become impacted. Instead of the tooth coming in straight, it may lay on its side and press up against the adjacent tooth. This can cause many different problems such as improper bite alignment and crowding.
A partially erupted wisdom tooth may also produce a condition known as pericoronitis. This is an infection where bacteria from food and plaque become trapped in between the space of the impacted tooth and the gum.
Be sure to visit your dentist or an oral surgeon for a wisdom teeth consultation. It is important to take care of your oral health! If you have questions or concerns ask your doctor.
