ScienceLine: Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

By ScienceLine's Rachele Cooper. 2007.

Not just a year ago my wisdom was tucked tightly away in my mouth, just below the surface of my gums, bothering no one. And then, last fall, it decided to emerge in the shape of three large, impacted teeth that had to come out. As I lay under the dental surgeon’s tools over the holidays, slowly coming out of my anesthesia, I wondered to myself: where did these teeth come from?

Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, were the evolutionary answer to our ancestor’s early diet of coarse, rough food – like leaves, roots, nuts and meats – which required more chewing power and resulted in excessive wear of the teeth. The modern diet with its softer foods, along with marvels of modern technologies such as forks, spoons and knives, has made the need for wisdom teeth nonexistent. As a result, evolutionary biologists now classify wisdom teeth as vestigial organs, or body parts that have become functionless due to evolution.

Why do wisdom teeth wait to erupt long after the tooth fairy has stopped leaving change under your pillow? Tooth development, from baby primary teeth to permanent teeth, takes place in an organized fashion, over a course of years, with the first molar erupting around the age of six and the second molar erupting around the age of 12. Wisdom teeth, which begin forming around your tenth birthday, are the last set of molars on the tooth-development timeline, so they usually don’t erupt until you are between the ages of 17 and 25. Because this is the age that people are said to become wiser, the set of third molars has been nicknamed “wisdom teeth.”

Some people never get wisdom teeth, but for those who do, the number may be anywhere from one to four – and, on very rare occasions, more than four, according to a study published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. Scientific literature has yet to be able to explain why the number of teeth per individual varies, but for those who do get these extraneous, or supernumerary, teeth, it can lead to all sorts of problems.

Because human jaws have become smaller throughout evolutionary history, when wisdom teeth form they often become impacted, or blocked, by the other teeth around them. Also, if the tooth partially erupts, food can get trapped in the gum tissue surrounding it, which can lead to bacteria growth and, possibly, a serious infection.

Wisdom teeth that do not erupt but remain tucked away can also lead to oral problems, such as crowding or displacement of permanent teeth. On very rare occasions, a cyst (fluid filled sac) can form in the soft tissue surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth. These cysts can lead to bone destruction, jaw expansion, or damage to the surrounding teeth. Even more uncommonly, tumors can develop in the cysts, which can lead to the jaw spontaneously breaking if the tumor or cyst grows too much.

There are patients that develop wisdom teeth that function just as well as every other tooth in the mouth, and as a result they do not need to go under the knife. But no one can predict when third molar complications will occur, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimates that about 85 percent of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed.

If you do have wisdom teeth that you are thinking of having taken out, the association strongly recommends that patients remove wisdom teeth when they are young adults, in order to “prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing.” People who have oral surgery after the age of 35 have higher risks for complications, harder surgeries, and longer healing times than those who get them removed in their late teens or early 20’s. The best time to get those suckers out is when the roots are about two-thirds formed, which is generally between the ages of 15 to 18. Though I was…well, a lady never tells her age, but suffice it to say that for me, a weeks long lack of locution and a diet of soup and applesauce was worth no longer having pain in my jaw and food in my teeth.

Domenick Coletti: Healing through platelet rich growth factor

Platelets are irregularly shaped cell fragments that are a vital part of the blood clotting process. Dental surgeons like Dr. Domenick Coletti apply platelet rich growth factor (PRGF) in many dental operation procedures. The substance, relatively available and inexpensive, is fast becoming a valuable part in assisting the healing process post op.

Domenick Coletti Image Credit: Spittoon.23andme.com

Also known as thrombocytes, platelets are one of the three principal cells found in blood. These are colorless cells that lack nuclei and are a source of growth factors. During the clotting process, these cells become more rounded and mesh together, trapping the blood in place. In addition, they release chemicals that cause surrounding cells to release fibroblasts, which facilitate healing.

Domenick Coletti Image Credit: Newsatjama.Wordpress.com

This important role in wound repair is what makes PRGF desirable. To create PRGF, dentists like Dr. Domenick Coletti would extract 20 to 40 cc of the patient’s own blood to get the platelets.

Using PRGF is advantageous in many ways. First, it accelerates the body’s own healing processes. In addition, because it is extracted from the patient, it is devoid of any potentially harmful pathogens and would have no issues on compatibility. Finally, it is easy to make, taking at most 15 minutes, and cost-effective as it is created in a centrifuge machine in the clinic and not taken from a hospital or blood bank.

Domenick Coletti Image Credit: Beaut.ie

More information on PRGF and its applications can be accessed from Dr. Domenick Coletti’s website.

Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA: Treating nerve injuries

Dr. Domenick Coletti image credit: centralmarylandoms.com

Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures performed by its team of physicians led by Domenick Coletti, DDS, MD.

Nerve injuries can be caused by trauma, surgery, and sometimes dental procedures such as root canal fillings, wisdom teeth removal, and insertion of implants. Soft tissue lacerations and facial bone fractures can cause significant nerve injuries, too. Moreover, local anesthetics can trigger nerve injury.

A person with nerve injury experiences a variety of unpleasant sensations. Some of the symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Crawling sensation
• Burning sensation
• Hypersensitivity of the affected area
• Electric shock sensation

Dr. Domenick Coletti image credit: cleveland.com

These sensations, according to doctors like those at Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA, can interfere with normal activities such as chewing, speaking, and drinking. If these symptoms persist longer than a month following surgery, the nerve injury will likely not resolve on its own without other treatments or surgical intervention.

Treatment options Depending on the type and severity of injury, one or more of the following procedures can be done:

• Decompression -- The nerve is relieved of any material or tissue pressuring it.
• Nerve grafting -- The lost portion of the nerve is replaced by a sensory nerve graft taken from either the posterior portion of the lower leg or the neck.
• Neurolysis -- The removal of the scar tissue inside the nerve.
• Suturing – The two ends of the nerve that are severed are held in place with precise stitches.

• Removal – Taking out of any abnormal nerve tissue or a neuroma.
Chances of recovery are high if the injury is treated immediately. Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA offers treatments for nerve injuries.

Dr. Domenick Coletti image credit: centralmarylandoms.com

More information can be accessed at this website.

Domenick Colletti: When to get dental implants

Domenick Coletti image credit: drchetan.com

On occasion, some people might find the teeth in their jaws to ultimately be lacking—literally. When done by professionals such as Dr. Domenick Coletti, “death” or the atrophy of the surrounding jawbone and a myriad of other problems can be avoided through the use of dental implants. Today, implants can offer the necessary structural support sought by people affected by tooth loss and can support not only replacement teeth but also dentures.

While many assume dental implants to be a purely cosmetic affair, the complications that arise from an insufficient set of teeth can have adverse effects on both a person’s wellbeing and the overall integrity of the jawbones. Among the complications include the jaw’s tendency to fill in the space with new teeth, which can cause problems regarding dental hygiene. In addition, people affected by tooth loss may find it difficult to chew, which may lead to dietary defects.

Domenick Coletti image credit: cleveland.com

Moreover, specialists like Dr. Domenick Coletti say that death of the surrounding bone cells may result due to lack of use, causing atrophy of the jawbone. By the time action is taken, there might not be enough bone material for future implants to take place, thus necessitating a bone graft.

Seeking dental implants early on is a wise decision because it can prevent further complications. Bone grafts, on the other hand, can be sought to first reverse the effects of atrophy.

Domenick Coletti image credit: centralmarylandoms.com

More information on implants from Dr. Domenick Coletti and how death of the surrounding bone and other conditions can be avoided through them can be accessed on his practice’s website.

Dr. Domenick Coletti: What is teeth grinding?

Domenick Coletti image credit: treatment-for-tmj.com

Most people don’t realize that they might be putting their teeth in harm even while they sleep. Dentists, like Dr. Domenick Coletti, agree that it is important to understand the causes and effects of teeth grinding before complications develop.

Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding usually occurs while a person is asleep. This condition is believed to be caused by having crooked or missing teeth or an abnormal bite, and is often associated with stress and anxiety. Since people usually experience this condition while they are asleep, most of them are unaware that they grind their teeth and only realize it when other people hear the grinding or when they wake up with a sore jaw or headache.

Domenick Coletti image credit: cala-millor.eu

Although teeth grinding may appear to be harmless, dentists, like Dr. Domenick Coletti, agree that it can be harmful once it becomes chronic. Those who grind their teeth constantly may suffer from fractured or loose teeth, tooth loss, hearing loss, temporomandibular disorders, and even a change in facial appearance.

To stop teeth grinding, patients may ask their dentist for a mouth guard which they can wear while they are asleep. They can also seek help in stress management if their condition is caused by stress or anxiety. Cutting back on caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can also help ease their anxiety.

Domenick Coletti image credit: centralmarylandoms.com

Based in Columbia, MD, Dr. Domenick Coletti specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. To learn more, visit www.centralmarylandoms.com.

Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery PA and dental implant surgery

According to Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA, more than 30 million Americans have lost all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Whether caused by an accident or tooth decay, tooth loss can be resolved permanently through dental implants.

Domenick Coletti Photo Credit: Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.A.

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone to hold a replacement tooth. This process, called osseointegration, enables the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone. After the healing process, which usually takes up to six weeks, a bridge or denture is securely placed on the implant.

Domenick Coletti Photo Credit: dentalimplants.uchc.edu

This procedure is recommended for adult patients with excellent general and oral health. According to dental experts at Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA, dental implants are not recommended for children and adolescents because the implants would interfere with the jaw’s growth.

Domenick Coletti Photo Credit: wvpresbytery.org

Many dental experts agree that getting dental implants is more advantageous than getting dentures or bridges. Dental implants are the most reliable replacement to natural teeth. Aside from giving a more natural look than dentures or bridges, dental implants are more stable since the implant is fused with the jaw bone. Also, patients with dental implants don’t need to worry about pain from ill-fitting dentures since it is securely placed on the implant. Generally, maintaining dental implants is similar to maintaining natural teeth in which regular brushing and flossing are required.

To learn more about Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, PA and the process of getting dental implants, visit www.centralmarylandoms.com.

Dr. Domenick Coletti defines how lawsuits shape America’s healthcare program

With the staggering statistic of 95 malpractice lawsuits for every 100 medical practitioners, physicians such as Dr. Domenick Coletti know that lawsuits or their threat are of constant risks to their practice. Many physicians refuse to perform their functions because of excessive malpractice premiums, which in turn limit patients’ access to basic healthcare.

Domenick Coletti Photo Credit: Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.A.

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA), 60% of physicians over the age of 55 have faced a suit at least once. While majority of the cases were dropped, settled, or decided in favor of the physicians, they were nonetheless expensive and costly. Physician Insurers Association of America reports that an average of $22,000 were spent on dismissed cases, while more than $100,000 were spent for suits that go to trial.

Many colleagues of Dr. Domenick Coletti say that lawsuits enhanced overstated cost of malpractice insurance premiums, forcing them out of business or out of the state.

Domenick Coletti Photo Credit: Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.A.

One of these physician-friendly states is Ohio, which is an advocate of minimizing false claims against physicians. Gov. Bob Taft signed Senate Bill 281 which limited “pain and suffering” damages at $500,000/occurrence. This and other determining factors helped Ohio decrease its number of closed malpractice suits, and lessen its total payment for settlements by $100 million.

Domenick Coletti Photo Credit: Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.A.

On the other hand, Rep. Matt Gaetz is also gearing up to make Florida a doctor-friendly haven. His legislation aims to minimize “the number of unneeded tests given by doctors to ward off potential lawsuits,” making Florida attractive to physicians such as Dr. Domenick Coletti. Lawsuits in Florida already require patients to submit a statement signed by a medical expert to endorse a negligence claim.

This indicates that there is an improvement in America’s healthcare industry. Additional information about Dr. Domenick Coletti may be accessed at www.centralmarylandoms.com.