Michigan Dental Costs

Wisdom Teeth - When Push Comes To Shove in Your Child's Mouth

When a child's permanent teeth appear, there's usually some push going on, hopefully in the right direction. Although any tooth can jostle its neighbors, the teeth that have the worst reputation are our third molars -- our wisdom teeth. They're the last to come out and often shove other teeth out of their way.

Most mouths can't usually accommodate wisdom teeth, and they end up pressuring the rest of the teeth, disrupting their alignment. They can often cause pain and swelling.

Routine X-rays, done when a person's around age 12, give us early warning of problem molars and tell us whether they need to be extracted. Wisdom teeth, like troublesome neighbors, everyone's a lot happier when they've moved out!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Jaw Fractures and the Healing Process

If you've fractured your lower jaw, it will have occurred in one of three places: where the lower jaw joins the upper jaw and facial bones; near the angle of the jaw; or in a vertical line between the teeth.

When the opposing segments of jaw are brought close enough together, bones heal quickly. New bone is actually generated between the two segments and the bond can be stronger than before the trauma.

We "wire" the jaws for the rest of your recovery. Also, the splinting of the teeth helps keep the jaws properly opposed. Healing takes about six weeks, during which time the wire remains in place. You'll be limited to a liquid diet and perhaps less animated conversation.

It's a good time to read that big novel and relax; let nature take its course.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.