Wisdom teeth

When they are present,wisdom teeth (third molars) usually appear between the ages of 17 to 22.

Nine out of ten people willhave at least one wisdom tooth that remains under the gums due to lack ofspace.

The following are PROBLEMSASSOCIATED with wisdom teeth:

• Gum INFECTION around wisdom teeth. This infection can spread into surrounding tissues and cause a severe infection requiring hospitalisation.
• CHRONIC INFECTION AND BONE LOSS of adjacent teeth.
• CYSTS OR TUMOURS associated with wisdom teeth.

In order to improve youroral and dental health and avoid the above-mentioned complications, yourdentist could recommend wisdom tooth extraction. A panoramic X-ray is used todetect their presence and position, and to predict when the tooth will eruptand how much space is available.