Wisdom teeth extractions can make a lot of sense for most people. But there are a few exceptions where keeping your wisdom teeth might be OK. Here's how to tell if your wisdom teeth should be removed.
A healthy flow of saliva is critical for chewing and digestion, bathing gums, and bacterial control. And we owe it all to salivary glands, three pairs of organs in the cheek and floor of the mouth. Each gland secretes saliva into the mouth via a tube, and this is where trouble can begin.
Sialolithiasis—whew—names the condition that results from a small calcified stone blocking the salivary duct. Clearly, a kink in the duct will cause swelling of the gland itself.
And swelling usually means a measure of pain.
X-rays, ultrasound or an MRI will reveal any salivary gland blockage. In some people, stones recur again and again and may warrant minor surgery. Or a dentist, by fairly simple manual manipulation, can expel the stone and send you on your way.
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Wisdom teeth extractions can make a lot of sense for most people. But there are a few exceptions where keeping your wisdom teeth might be OK. Here's how to tell if your wisdom teeth should be removed.
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There’s no way to prevent a gummy smile — that comes down to genetics. But dental veneers offer a way to change the proportion of teeth and gums. Pushing back gum tissue and filling that space is just one of the dental issues that veneers address.
Keeping your smile its whitest isn’t difficult, but it takes some self-discipline to maintain an effective oral care routine. Your best smile comes from a combination of dentist visits and personal care at home.