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Dentistry/Wisdom tooth coming in

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Question
One of my back wisdom teeth is coming in, and while it's slightly sore, it's not a huge deal. The problem is that in the last few days, it's been biting the inside of my cheek there.  It seem like the skin is anchored to my gum, and so as much as I try to push it away, it won't and it keeps biting on it, and that's really painful.  The skin doesn't seem attached like that on the other side.

I really don't want to get them taken out, because apparently everybody in my family has their wisdom teeth and doesn't have a problem with them, so I'm thinking that this is just related to the teething process.  Regardless, is there anything that I can do to stop the new tooth from biting my inner cheek while it's coming in?

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Allison:  It most likely is your wisdom tooth coming in.  There is very little you can do to stop it from biting your cheek as it comes in.  You might try chewing on that side, as food will get in the way of your cheek falling over that tooth as you close your teeth together.  In addition, chewing on the erupting tooth usually stimulates its growth into your mouth.  Once it is completely in, you likely won't have this cheeky problem, as the tooth will then block your cheek from falling into the space that now exists.  But, as always, it is best that you contact your dentist, and get an opinion from your professional.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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