The two are related - waiting and explaining.
We know you do not want to spend any more time in our office than is required. You want the job done and on to the rest of your life. You do not want to wait around. We feel the same way on our errands.
A big part of our job is explaining things to our patients and their parents so everyone understands what is happening. We never know when someone will need a longer explanation. My staff is great - they can often address questions very well. But there are times when I need to provide the explanations - I love these opportunities to interact with you. I am happy to spend the time to consider your question and provide an answer and explanation that helps you to understand the situation.
I love understanding things myself, and I love helping someone else to do the same - big part of my job and one of my passions.
These explanations can require time and this can disrupt our schedule somewhat. I apologize for your waiting for me or my staff. We want to complete your appointment as soon as possible, but if you require some explanation, ask us. We are here to answer.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wisdom Teeth
A lot of people are concerned about their wisdom teeth pushing their other teeth crooked. Wisdom teeth are your third molars. They usually develop enough to come into the mouth by the late teens or early twenties.
Most people do not have enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into the mouth to be useful and healthy teeth. It is rare for the third molars to eurupt into a normal position to be useful teeth, but it does happen.
For most of us, the wisdom teeth can come in partially - often leaning at an angle and partially covered by gum tissue. These teeth that are in half way can be a real source of problems - infection and pain. It is usually a good idea to have teeth like this removed - often the sooner the better.
In other cases, the wisdom tooth gets stuck on the second molar - impacted. These teeth may not cause problems right away, but there is a good chance they eventually will. Again it is a good idea to get them out.
We used to believe that the wisdom teeth could try to force their way in and push the other teeth around to become more crooked. The evidence for this is not very good. It is completely normal for teeth to move whether or not you have had braces, and whether or not you have wisdom teeth.
Some people do not have some or all of their wisdom teeth - they never develop. More commonly, a person has their wisdom teeth, but they are stuck in the gum and bone. They may cause problems in the future. Your dentist is the best person to guide you on these cases.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth, please ask us. I got mine out in my early twenties. My own daughter, who is nineteen years old now, will likely be getting hers out in the next year or so. They are starting to bother her and it is time to schedule the extractions at a time that will fit with her school schedule.
To close I should make some smart remark about wisdom etc., but I won't.
Most people do not have enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into the mouth to be useful and healthy teeth. It is rare for the third molars to eurupt into a normal position to be useful teeth, but it does happen.
For most of us, the wisdom teeth can come in partially - often leaning at an angle and partially covered by gum tissue. These teeth that are in half way can be a real source of problems - infection and pain. It is usually a good idea to have teeth like this removed - often the sooner the better.
In other cases, the wisdom tooth gets stuck on the second molar - impacted. These teeth may not cause problems right away, but there is a good chance they eventually will. Again it is a good idea to get them out.
We used to believe that the wisdom teeth could try to force their way in and push the other teeth around to become more crooked. The evidence for this is not very good. It is completely normal for teeth to move whether or not you have had braces, and whether or not you have wisdom teeth.
Some people do not have some or all of their wisdom teeth - they never develop. More commonly, a person has their wisdom teeth, but they are stuck in the gum and bone. They may cause problems in the future. Your dentist is the best person to guide you on these cases.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth, please ask us. I got mine out in my early twenties. My own daughter, who is nineteen years old now, will likely be getting hers out in the next year or so. They are starting to bother her and it is time to schedule the extractions at a time that will fit with her school schedule.
To close I should make some smart remark about wisdom etc., but I won't.
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