Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are normally
the last teeth to appear. This usually happens when people are in their late
teen years or early twenties -- in other words, when they are older and wiser.
Wisdom teeth are molars, or chewing teeth,
at the back of the mouth. The third set of molars, if you have them, are your
wisdom teeth.
They can grow into place normally and never
cause a problem. But often there is not enough room for them in the mouth. They
might crowd other teeth. Sometimes they even push sideways through the gums.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one
that fails to completely rise through the gums -- the term is erupt. Wisdom
teeth that only partially erupt can leave space for bacteria to enter around
the tooth. Infection is a risk in these cases.
Wisdom teeth that are not well aligned and
become impacted are often removed.
People should have the placement of their
wisdom teeth examined between the ages of sixteen and twenty. X-rays can show
wisdom teeth that are below the gums.
The American Dental
Association says removal is generally advised when wisdom teeth only
partly break through the gums. Removal is also advised if there is a chance
that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage other teeth. And removal is called
for in cases where fluid collects around a wisdom tooth that is partly or fully
below the gum.
But why do we have wisdom teeth if we often
need to get them removed? One theory has to do with our diets. Scientists say
the diet of prehistoric humans probably required more chewing teeth. Life was
probably a little rougher on the teeth back then, too. So it was good to have
extras.
The removal of wisdom teeth is performed
by oral surgeons. They say if removal is advised, the best time to do it
is before the teeth cause any problems or pain.
The American Association of Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgeons says young adults are the best candidates
for wisdom teeth removal. The group says older patients may be at greater
risk for disease in the tissue surrounding the molars.
Patients can have general anesthesia during
the operation. Or they might choose to have a local painkiller and remain
awake. It may depend on the condition of the wisdom teeth and the number to be
removed.
After surgery, there can be swelling of the
gums and face and some pain. Both can be treated with cold wraps and
medication.
And that’s the VOA Special
English Health Report, written by Caty Weaver. I’m Shirley Griffith.
Tenses
WISDOM TEETH
Present
Tense
1. The American Dental
Association says removal is generally advised when wisdom teeth only
partly break through the gums
2. Scientists say the diet of
prehistoric humans probably required more chewing teeth.
3. They say if removal is advised
4. The American Association of Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgeons says young adults are the best candidates
for wisdom teeth removal
5. The group says older patients
may be at greater risk for disease in the tissue surrounding the molars.
Past-tense
1. The American Dental
Association advised when wisdom teeth only partly break through the gums
2. Removal is also advised if there
is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage other teeth
3. removal is called for in cases
where fluid collects around a wisdom tooth that is partly or fully below the
gum
future-tense
1. there is a chance that poorly
aligned wisdom teeth will damage other teeth
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