Make a Wise Move - Get Those Teeth Checked Out

After reading Celia Walden's comments about routine trips to the dentist and having her wisdom teeth removed in last week's Telegraph I thought it would be helpful to post some information about wisdom teeth as we often get calls from people asking whether they should be removed or not.

To be honest there are no hard and fast rules regarding wisdom teeth as every patient is different as will be the treatment that is needed; only your dentist will be able to advise you on this.

Here are some common reasons to have your wisdom teeth removed:

ʉۢ Impacted teeth are what dentists call wisdom teeth that are blocked from coming through the gum by either bone or other teeth. Sometimes the teeth tilt under the gum and can cause pain. Your dentist will be able to see these impacted teeth on an X-RAY
ʉۢ Teeth next to the wisdom teeth are more prone to developing gum problems
 â€¢ Wisdom teeth can crowd or damage surrounding teeth • Although not very common some people develop cysts which are fluid filled growths. These cysts can cause damage to teeth, nerves and bone

Regular dental check-ups, especially in your teens and early twenties are really important as your dentist can follow the progress of your wisdom teeth and identify any problems early on.

 If there is a chance your wisdom teeth are going to cause dental problems for you your dentist may advise you to have them removed. It is easier to remove them when you are younger as the roots of the teeth will not be fully developed and the bone around the teeth will be less dense.