When it’s partially emerged and the crown is visible, the tooth is considered partially impacted. But if it never manages to break through the gums, you’re dealing with a fully impacted wisdom tooth. A partially impacted tooth is often asymptomatic and needs to be regularly monitored to prevent any problems. On the other hand, it’s the fully impacted wisdom teeth that cause the most trouble. Common complications of impacted wisdom teeth are pain and bleeding gums, but if left untreated there’s a great chance to experience more serious problems.

One such complication is when the wisdom tooth pushes on the root of the second molar, causing it to misalign or develop an infection. If left untreated for a long time, the impacted tooth can cause more serious complications, like for instance cysts or tumors. Because the tooth develops in a sac within the jaw bone, the sac can fill with fluid and turn into a cyst or a tumor that can damage the gums, the jawbone, and the nerves.

If you’re experiencing these and similar problems with an impacted wisdom tooth, the only solution is to have it surgically removed. Wisdom tooth extraction is nothing to be afraid of. Often, it’s a quick outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. Of course, in order to prevent pain, you’ll be put under local anesthesia which numbs your mouth. Some serious cases might require a general anesthetic which will put you to sleep.

After the tooth has been removed, it’s normal to experience some mild pain and bleeding, as well as swelling of the jaw. Some people may find it difficult to open their mouth. In any case, your dentist will advise on how to care for the wound and manage pain and swelling with cold compresses or pain medication.

Though having any tooth removed can often cause fear and anxiety, delaying the procedure may cause permanent damage. Try to talk with your dentist and express your concerns. And remember that fear is nothing to be ashamed about. Many dentists will try to find ways to make the procedure more comfortable and allow you to bring along a friend or a family member. If you think this won’t work, try talking to your dentist or dental surgeon about any medications or sedatives that may help you.

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The Benefits

For one, you will have your teeth thoroughly cleaned and any potential teeth or gum issues will be discovered before they develop into a more serious problem. Signs of oral cancer could also be spotted, which makes it much easier to treat it. Plus, if your dentist notices that your oral hygiene routine is not working out ideally for you, he/she will tell you what changes you could make to improve it.

What is usually done on a check up?

A common thing that is done on a dental check up is removing plaque or tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacterial invader that mixes with the proteins and food, and latches onto your teeth and gums. When it calcifies it becomes tartar, which if not removed early, it can grow below the gum line and cause tooth decay.

Another common procedure is polishing your teeth with a lightly abrasive paste. Once your teeth are clean, your dentist will check for symptoms of the really serious problems, such as gum disease and oral cancer. Then he/she will measure the pockets between your teeth and gums and check the back and sides of your teeth. Your dentist might even take x-rays to see what’s going on under the surface of your mouth and can find and diagnose issues that can not be spoted with a naked eye.

How often should you have your teeth checked?

The Australian Dental Association recommends scheduling a dental check up every six months to prevent and detect oral health problems (if any) from getting worse. If you are at a risk for developing any oral disease or are a smoker, you might want to consider visiting your dentist on a more frequent basis to make sure you keep your smile looking pearly white for many more years to come.

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Now all that’s left on our part is to take good care of them so that they serve us long and well. Unfortunately, many Australians skip on their dental check ups due to costs or out of irrational mistrust in dentists. That’s very ironic, because there are many capable and affordable dentists Melbourne Cbd, Sydney and Brisbane as leading health centres host. But wherever it is you might live, regularly visiting a dentist and maintaining good oral habits has many huge benefits.

Be the Proud Owner of an Attractive Smile

Diet is one factor that can affect the look of your teeth. Artificially coloured food can release chemicals that dye your teeth as well. And let’s not forget the worst enemies of your smile – tobacco, coffee, and sugared foods. If you have a problem curbing your cigarette addiction or simply have a sweet tooth, polishing and whitening your teeth can help them get back their beautiful white glow. But most importantly, polishing gets rid of plague which if left untreated can cause bacteria build up and tooth decay.

Prevent Bad Breath

It’s a misconception that bad breath is caused by the food we eat. Actually, 85% of people with persistent bad breath are diagnosed with halitosis, a dental condition where bacteria start to reproduce abnormally in the mouth and release chemicals that cause bad smell. When this happens, a regular mouthwash can do nothing to keep your breath fresh, and you might become stuck with it for the rest of your life. But daily flossing, regular check ups and through dental cleaning of plague are the best way to maintain the bacteria’s balance in the mouth and prevent bad breath.

Keep Your Natural Teeth

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. It’s an infection that targets the gum tissues and bones important for keeping your teeth in place. Genetic factors and bad oral hygiene put you at risk for developing gum disease. But daily flossing, brushing twice a day, and most importantly, regular dental check ups and cleaning can prevent gum disease and thus allow you to keep your teeth even in ripe old age. And retaining your natural teeth means better chewing and ultimately improved health.

Prevent Oral Cancer

According to studies, there’s a person dying from oral cancer every hour. At a recent seminar of dentists Melbourne Cbd had, it was pointed out that the rate of oral cancer in Australia has been drastically increased. This is partly due to the bad lifestyle habits people have. However, there are also some genetic factors which can lead to its development, meaning no one is 100% safe. But when you do your regular dental cleaning, the dentist is simultaneously screening you for early signs of oral cancer, which can be effectively cured if diagnosed on time.

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