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Dentistry/Wisdom teeth?
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Question
This morning when I was brushing my teeth, I noticed an extra tooth starting to grow above all my other teeth! Is there something wrong with me? I read in a book where these kids had to have their wisdom teeth taken out. What are wisdom teeth? Are they natural or do I have a disease? I'm scared to ask my parents. Could you please help me?
Hi Kelly
Wisdom teeth are just molar teeth that usually come through age 18-21 right at the back of your mouth - one in each corner. They are perfectly normal, but some people don't quite have enough room for them to come through properly. If that is the case then they can sometimes get infected because it can be quite awkward to clean them properly. Because of this some people end up having to have them extracted.
But don't worry, show your parents and maybe get them checked out by your dentist who can reassure you!!
Regards
Tony Appleton
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Answers by Expert:
- Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired
- Dr. Randolph Myerson
- Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
- Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO
- Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
- Rafael Mosery,D.D.S.
- Jeff Dalin DDS
- Luis Granados DDS MS ESP.
- Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.
- Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD
- Stephen J. Moss
- Crystal Baxter DMD< MDS
- Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com
- Dr Craig Peck ( B.Med.Sc., B.Ch.D., M.Sc., Clin. Botox, Cosmet. Derm.)
- Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD
- Susan Tannenbam
- Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com
- Dr.Mike Glasmeier
- Larry Burnett DDS
- Ketan Amin, DMD
- Dr. Madhvendra T. Singh
- Simarjit kalra
- dr mayank kaurani BDS, MDS
- Mohamed Elsafi, DDS, MS, FACP
- Lawrence Gold
- Veselin Shumantov DDS
Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
Expertise
I am an experienced general dental practitioner in private dental practice. I have worked for the past 25 or so years in the UK, and own a busy practice in Stratford upon Avon, Stratford Dental. From early 2012 my wife and I moved to Canberra, Australia, where I have taken up the position of Lead Dentist in a large city-centre practice. I will happily answer questions related to general practice, and have interests in endodontics (root canal), dental implants, CEREC/E4D cad-cam dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Experience
I have been a general dental practitioner for over 25 years, working initially under the NHS, but since 2001 have been solely in private practice. I run a busy practice with my wife, Lisa, who is also a dentist. I have also been closely involved in the training of young dentists, and have lectured to dentists on a variety of subjects, both clinical and managerial, related to general dental practice.
Organizations
British Dental Association
Publications
British Dental Journal
Cancer Treatment Reviews
Education/Credentials
BDS Sheffield 1986 DPDS Bristol 2001
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