Wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17-25 and are the third set of molars. As these teeth grow, many changes occur in your mouth, including gums, jaw, and other teeth. While the focus is mostly on the pain associated with it. However, there are many lesser-known facts about wisdom teeth and their growth that you need to be aware of.
This blog post will uncover such facts about wisdom teeth. So, let’s start!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth, typically in the late teens to early twenties. Historically, this set of teeth helped the primary humans to chew coarse, raw foods, including roots, meat, and leaves. Due to evolution, humans have changed their diet to softer and more refined foods, reducing the need for wisdom teeth over time. This has led to the jaw becoming smaller, compromising the room meant for the third molars, leading to problems with their growth and causing dental issues.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Typically Emerge?
Wisdom teeth start growing at different ages. For some, it can grow in late teens, for some others, while for some, they do not appear at all. Some research shows that around 35% of people never grow a single wisdom tooth, while many may not grow all four of them, making wisdom teeth one of the most unpredictable aspects of oral development.
When wisdom teeth grow, there can be various signs such as tenderness, swelling, or discomfort in the back of the mouth. In some cases, this can also lead to headaches, difficulty chewing, or even jaw pain. If you notice such symptoms, consult your dentist.
Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth
- Impaction:
Wisdom teeth are highly likely to be impacted. When there is not enough space for the wisdom tooth to grow, it can become trapped beneath the gums or lodged against other teeth. This causes the wisdom tooth to cause pain, swelling, and even infections because cleaning around that area becomes difficult. If left untreated, impaction can lead to many serious issues, such as cysts or damage to adjacent teeth.
- Crowding:
If wisdom teeth erupt despite limited space, it can affect the adjacent teeth or the entire row of teeth, leading to crowding. As these molars push through the gum, they cause the nearby teeth to shift out of their place and cause misalignment. Crowding can cause crooked teeth and bite issues.
- Infections and Decay:
As wisdom teeth are located in a hard-to-reach part of the mouth and cause pain and discomfort while growing, they become an easy site for food and bacterial infections that are hard to clean. Thus, bacteria get trapped in the gum tissues and lead to infections and tooth decay. If not treated timely, this can cause further complications, like gum diseases.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed, but it is recommended when they cause intense pain, infection, or any other complications. Dentists may also recommend removal when there is a high risk of crowding or if they are difficult to clean. In many cases, wisdom teeth can cause future problems, so early removal is necessary to prevent them.
However, if your wisdom teeth are properly aligned and erupt completely, do not cause any problems, and are easy to clean, you might not need to remove them, but monitoring their growth and development becomes important.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect
When your dentist recommends wisdom tooth removal, the procedure is simple.
The procedure will start with an X-ray to determine the position of your teeth, followed by sedation, such as local or general anesthesia so that the procedure remains painless. The wisdom tooth is then extracted, and the treated area is sealed. After the procedure, you might experience mild swelling or discomfort around the treated area for a few weeks.
After the procedure, it is important to follow aftercare and dietary instructions as suggested by the dentist and be gentle while brushing to ensure smoother recovery.
However, the procedure may vary depending on the wisdom tooth’s growth and whether it is impacted or fully erupted. Wisdom teeth can often be problematic, but not for everyone, and with timely precautions and treatment, they are not a permanent issue. It is important to be informed about the practical facts about wisdom teeth and their removal procedure so that you understand everything well and make informed decisions.
For more information about wisdom tooth removal in Shivar Chowk, schedule a consultation with our expert at Om Happy Teeth.