Secondary Outcomes
The result of genetic change happened quickly. Bone analysis from the beginning of the industrial revolution to the present has identified a tenfold increase in poorly placed wisdom teeth, with the symptoms they bring all too evident.
We know why wisdom tooth issues exist and they can leave a tooth stuck under the gum, or trying to force through at an incorrect angle. Conditions known as impacted development, essentially lack of space within our jaw.
They can cause damage to nerves in the jaw, or unsuitable tissue growth. Oral hygiene can become an issue, with wisdom teeth being harder to keep clean leading to secondary conditions.
Infection of the gum near the wisdom tooth is quite common, a condition called pericoronitis. More standard gum infection (periodontal disease) is a further possibility, which can transfer to surrounding dental areas.
Pain and swelling around wisdom teeth is not unusual, oral cysts can form, along with tooth decay, or abscesses, The key point is that wisdom tooth symptoms are not confined to the tooth itself.
Lack Of Treatment
Difficulties caused by wisdom teeth can be immediate, or begin years later. A prime reason they continue is a resistance to seeking professional care.
Research suggests that around 75% of all symptoms, including oral disease, or decay could be avoided by prompt treatment. In a number of cases, this will be simply because care is unavailable but denial and avoidance are factors.
Both are understandable, none of us wake up hoping to find a reason for dental treatment. The fact remains that not seeking treatment is a route to needing more and well managed care is a reasonably pleasant solution.
If wisdom tooth removal is the answer, in specialist hands you will feel no pain and risks are minimised. You and your maxillofacial consultant work together, to correct a problem which is essentially an evolutionary blip.
Should you have any concerns on what treatment involves, by all means contact our knowledgeable staff, who will be pleased to offer advice.
