Wisdom Teeth, Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago

Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 16 and 25 and are considered an individual’s third molars. They are often extracted as they can interfere with the other teeth. In general, people have 4 wisdom teeth. However, some people may have fewer or more.

Impacted wisdom teeth are classified into several categories. Mesioangular impaction is where the tooth is tilted forward and is the most common form. When it is tilted towards the back, it is known as distoangular impaction. If the tooth simply does not erupt but is in the traditional vertical form it is referred to as vertical impaction. Lastly, the least frequent impaction is horizontal, in which the tooth is at a 90 degree angle and is growing towards the second molar. When in the maxilla, the upper jaw, distoangular impactions are the easiest to remove, while mesioangular impactions are the most difficult. It is the opposite for the mandible, the lower jaw, in which mesioangular impactions are the easiest, and distoangular being the hardest.

Occasionally, the wisdom tooth does not erupt completely and a soft tissue flap, known as an opercalum, extends over the teeth. Teeth with an overcalum are very difficult to clean properly, and debris and bacteria have easy access. This can result in periocoronitis, which is a common infection in young adults. Symptoms include swelling of the gum, pain, and bad taste in the mouth. If untreated, it can lead to far more severe infections.

If the tooth retains the opercalum, it is recommended that the wisdom tooth be extracted. For more information regarding wisdom teeth, contact Chicago dentist Dr. Bagai by calling 773-767-1554 today.