The wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the dental arcade. While most people have four, some have fewer wisdom teeth. In some cases, they may only partially erupt due to limited space or misalignment.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
A wisdom tooth becomes impacted when it remains completely under the gums. An impacted tooth can cause:
- Inflammation of the adjacent tissue
- Displacement and infection of the neighbouring teeth
- Abscesses, cysts and tooth decay
- Pain
- Difficulty opening the mouth and eating
Wisdom Tooth Examination
The dentist can use a probe to check whether there an opening exists for bacteria. If this is the case, extraction of the wisdom teeth is recommended. The dental structure is assessed from a panoramic x-ray of the jaw. Following this x-ray, the possible complications arising during the surgery are discussed with the patient.
For more details on wisdom tooth extractions, please ask your dentist or view the short video below.