5 FAQs About Wisdom Teeth

What are impacted wisdom teeth? Why are they removed? These are some of the frequently asked questions to a dentist. Read below some of these questions about wisdom teeth, answered by Dr. Ranjitha Mukund, Green Meadow Dental at 3579 B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111.

1.   What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth (molar teeth) to grow, usually between 17 and 21 years. Generally four wisdom teeth are found at the back of the mouth – two at the bottom and two on the top.

2.   Why do they get impacted?

When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow, they erupt sideways or at wrong angles. Dentists call these teeth as “impacted”, since they get obstructed by other teeth.

3.   What are the symptoms of impacted teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth normally show no symptoms unless they are infected. Then it can lead to the following dental problems:

•         Tender or bleeding gums
•         Red swollen gums
•         Difficulty in opening the mouth
•         Bad breadth

4.   When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Having impacted wisdom teeth is fairly a common dental condition. In some it may cause no harm. However, in some it may lead to other dental problems leading to removal of them.

Wisdom teeth need to be removed if:

• They partially erupt in your jawbone or gums which can lead to pain and inflammation. When there is a soft tissue growth over partially erupted wisdom teeth, the overgrowth is known as an operculum. Such partially erupted teeth can trap bacteria, leading to infection which is referred to as pericoronitis. If such condition exits, it is an indication for emergency removal of wisdom teeth.
• They grow at wrong angles that affect the growth of adjacent teeth, which also makes it difficult to clean them.
• Food particles and debris can get trapped inside or between the wisdom teeth, thus leading to plaque, swelling, cavities and bad breath.  As these can damage other teeth, dentists or oral surgeons normally recommend removal of the infected wisdom tooth.

5.   Is it necessary to remove all wisdom teeth?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. When a wisdom tooth erupts properly through the tissues without compromising the adjacent tooth, the wisdom tooth can be retained by proper brushing, flossing and cleaning.

Families from Kensington find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund.

For wisdom tooth extraction, contact, Green Meadow Dental at 3579 B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111 (865)-860-0056.We also service patients from surrounding areas including Cromwell, East Berlin and Rocky Hill. 

Watch our video to learn more about Wisdom tooth extraction