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Dentistry/wisdom tooth help

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Question
Hey, I'm getting one of my wisdom teeth, its pretty much fully grown, and looks straight, no pain at all. But, my cheek has been getting caught in this wisdom tooth and i bite it, mostly when eating. It is now sore, although I don't really tend to bite it now. My problem is its been a week and where Im biting i'm now noticing a white creamy streaks, clouds (not painful)on the inside of my cheek. This has me a little worried, but obviously it is caused by the previous biting. The gum near cheek bone/wisdom tooth is still sore. What do you think this is, should I be worried or will it go away? I have exams and really no time to book an appointment till the 21st, unless much needed.

P.S. I read that the cheek will not interfere with wisdom teeth when the tooth fully grows?

Thanks a lot.


Answer
You are experiencing chronic trauma to the lining of the cheek and the white appearance is consistent with that activity.  This is not something that should be allowed to continue for months and years as that can result in abnormal changes in the soft tissue.  This is certainly not an emergency situation so when you see your dentist you should have your wisdom teeth evaluated and if they are emerging into unacceptable positions you should consider having them removed.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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