What are Wisdom Teeth?

What are Wisdom Teeth?

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, or erupt, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. This can lead to wisdom teeth that are impacted, teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. If teeth are impacted, swelling and tenderness may occur.Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.

How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Your dentist or a dental specialist, called an oral surgeon, will recommend either "going to sleep" using general anesthesia, or numbing this area in your mouth with a local anesthesia such as Novocain®.After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental Tours

We invite you to discuss this problem by adding your comment... !!!

TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS

WHAT ARE TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS?

TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, and even breathe.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS?

Pain is the most common symptom; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws.
Symptoms can include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Being unable to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face Neck, shoulder, and back pain

Other symptoms may include: ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness, and vision problems. Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.

WHAT CAUSES TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS?

Not all causes are known. Some possible causes are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of arthritis, some dental procedures, stretching of the jaw as occurs with inserting a breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of teeth.

HOW ARE TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS TREATED?

Reversible Treatments According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health, TMJ treatments should be reversible whenever possible. That means that the treatment should not cause permanent changes to the jaw or teeth. Examples of reversible treatments are:
Over-the-counter pain medications
Prescription medications
Gentle jaw stretching and relaxation exercises
Stabilization splints (biteplate, nightguard)

Irreversible Treatments

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health, irreversible treatments have not been proven to work and may make the problem worse. Examples of irreversible treatments are:
Adjustment of the bite by grinding the teeth
Extensive dental work
Mandibular repositioning splints
Orthodontics
Surgical procedures including replacement of all or parts of the jaw joint

By Dr. Monica Muñoz - Dental Mexico

We invite you to discuss this problem by adding your comment... !!!

HYPNOSIS & DENTRISTRY

HYPNOSIS & DENTRISTRY

Anxiety about dental treatment is extremely common, and studies have noted that anywhere from 46% to 75% of the general population suffers from dental anxiety, while 6 - 14% of the population never goes to the dentist because of fear.
Among those who do not visit dentists regularly, 90% report that the reason is dental fear. If you are nervous about going to the dentist you are normal. Issues may include the fear of losing control, a negative past experience, fear of choking, and the list goes on.
Most dentists are acutely aware of the fact that there is a powerful relation between the mind and body. Hypnosis is a valuable technique in patient management.
With appropriate training, general dental practitioners can widen the treatment options they can offer to patients, especially those who are dentally anxious. Also is a useful tool in reducing the patient’s precipitous level of fear and pain.
This trance phenomenon is very effective in creating an experience of Analgesia or Anesthesia to augment painless dental extraction, while maintaining minimal blood loss.
So here are many uses of hypnosis in Dentistry;
Obtaining relaxation
Ensuring co-operation
Reduction of anxiety and fear
Production of analgesia
Production of amnesia
Control of fainting
Control of bleeding
Control of salivation Toleration of impression taking without gagging or sickness

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental tours

We invite you to discuss this problem by adding your comment... !!!