Decay causes pain as the sensitive layers of your tooth become exposed, and the living parts of your tooth become infected and inflammed. Periocoronitis, is irritation of the gum partially covering a tooth which has not yet completely erupted into the mouth. This gum flap can easily provide a haven for bacteria when food or plaque become trapped underneath it. Consequently, the gum becomes irritated and swollen, and often can become difficult to open and close your mouth fully.

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary. See similar questions...

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Many times there are no symptoms of wisdom tooth trouble. But x-rays may show us that there is the potential for a serious problem, or that other teeth in your mouth may be at risk for damage. About 28 percent of wisdom teeth are impacted because the jaw is not big enough to accomodate them. These impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, break part way through the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. See similar questions...

The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted -- meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. pain infection in the mouth, facial swelling, swelling of the gum line in the back of the mouth. See similar questions...

Dr. Mark J. Birnbach of Boulder, Colorado is proud to announce the new website for his general dentistry practice. a parent, you have a big role to play in keeping your child's teeth healthy and clean. You can help prevent cavities. Prevention starts at home, with good eating habits and daily cleaning of the teeth. Congratulations!! How did you do it? Your teeth look so white. I received that compliment upon completing my first dental whitening procedure. See similar questions...

For information about wisdom teeth, please refer to "Impacted wisdom tooth" of "Oral Problem". See similar questions...

Answer: We recommend having your wisdom teeth out before the roots are fully developed. The longer you wait the more developed your roots become which in turn can cause nerve damage. This is rare but can happen the more developed your wisdom teeth become. At times they will erupt through the gums, but you are unable to brush properly due to being so far back in your mouth. This usually leads to dental caries on your wisdom teeth. See similar questions...

A 19. When Dr. Rothstein was younger and less experienced he would frequently recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. After treating almost 3000 patients he rarely sees the need for having wisdom teeth removed. The only time it is absolutely necessary to remove them is when they are preventing the molars in from of them from erupting or they are diseased or are causing harm to other teeth. See similar questions...

In about three out of four cases where teeth have not been removed during orthodontic treatment, there are good reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, usually when a person reaches his or her mid- to late- teen years. Your orthodontist, in consultation with your family dentist, can determine what is right for you. See similar questions...

of patients will adapt to the appliance within 2-7 days. It will take a few days to adapt to having a device in your mouth during sleep. The appliance will not hurt the teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, Dr. Parker can easily adjust it for your comfort. See similar questions...

Getting braces put on your teeth does not hurt, and does not require Novocain injections or anything painful. For a full description of the process, read Braces Basics: When the Braces Go On. See similar questions...

It will not hurt your teeth. Carbamide Peroxide penetrates the pores of your teeth and removes the stains that have been accumulated over the years. Whitening has been available for over a hundred years; and has been proven to be completely safe and effective. The process can cause some sensitivity. Usually it will dissipate in a day or two. If you already have sensitive teeth, we suggest using Sensodyne toothpaste. See similar questions...

Many years ago, humans ate a much more fibrous, unrefined diet. We needed a broad chewing surface to help break this diet into small particles to be swallowed. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, were part of this large chewing surface. Our diet has changed, and our jaws have become smaller. Many people still develop wisdom teeth, but there is not enough room in the mouth for them to erupt. If there is room for them to come in, no treatment is required. See similar questions...

The procedure of removing wisdom teeth usually takes less than an hour. If your tooth is erupted (through the gum tissue), it may be removed without an incision in your gum by loosening and lifting the tooth with special instruments. Occasionally, to ease removal, a tooth is sectioned and removed in two or more pieces. If your tooth is impacted (covered by bone), an incision will be made in the gum. See similar questions...