Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to emerge in the human mouth. They typically start appearing in the late teens or early adulthood, but the exact time mostly varies from person to person.
Very few people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, while many experience complications that require removal. Understanding their purpose, potential problems, and treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
That’s why we decided to give you wisdom teeth 101. Let’s jump right in.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth, with one on each side of both the upper and lower jaw. However, some people may have fewer or none. In rare cases, some people may have more than four wisdom teeth. As mentioned, they start emerging between the ages of 17 and 25.
It is believed that wisdom teeth are a remnant of our evolutionary past. They were useful for our ancestors, who needed extra teeth to chew tough foods. However, due to changes in diet and jaw size over time, wisdom teeth often lack the necessary space to grow properly.
How to know if your wisdom teeth are emerging?
Some most common signs and symptoms of wisdom teeth surfacing include jaw and facial pain or tenderness, gum redness or swelling at the back corners of your mouth, and white spots behind your last molars.
Additionally, wisdom teeth can also cause pain and headaches. This happens for several reasons. As they grow, they may create discomfort in the jaw, which can lead to headaches. The pressure they exert on surrounding nerves and tissues can cause pain that radiates to different areas of the head.
For some individuals, wisdom teeth can also trigger sinus headaches. This occurs when the emerging teeth press against the sinuses, creating a sensation of pressure in the head.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
If you are one of those people who have no problems with wisdom teeth, count yourself lucky. Most people have complications with third molars, mostly because they grow impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth have problems emerging, they either remain in the gumline or emerge just a bit. They often emerge at an improper angle, pressing against the second molar.
There are different types of impaction. It is essential to get an OPG Scan because wisdom teeth aren’t visible to the naked eye. The scan will show the type of impaction you have.
Common problems with wisdom teeth
Because of tooth impaction, many people experience issues with their wisdom teeth. Some of the most common issues include frequent pain and swelling, tooth decay, gum disease, damage to nearby teeth, and cysts or tumors.
Impacted wisdom teeth can often cause discomfort and gum inflammation. Similarly, partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of decay. At the same time, bacteria can accumulate around the gum tissue covering a partially erupted tooth, leading to gum infection.
Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring molars, causing misalignment or decay.
In rare cases, cysts can develop around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone.
Signs you need to have your wisdom teeth removed
Wisdom teeth do not have a set purpose, which is why they are often removed. However, that’s not the main reason why people get their third molars removed. The main reason is all the dental problems these teeth can cause if they don’t emerge properly.
If you experience persistent jaw pain or swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste, those are all the signs your wisdom teeth need to be extracted. Some people also experience swollen, bleeding, or tender gums and crowding or shifting of nearby teeth.
What to expect when having your wisdom teeth removed
If your dentist determines that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for extraction.
Before the procedure, your dentist will take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth. You’ll also discuss anesthesia options, including local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
On the day of extraction, the oral surgeon will make an incision if the tooth is impacted.
In some cases, the tooth may be removed in pieces. The area is cleaned, and stitches may be placed if needed.
The recovery process
After the tooth extraction, you can expect swelling and discomfort. They are normal for a few days. Your doctor may recommend placing an ice pack on the area of swelling. You should hold the ice pack for periods of 5 or 10 minutes.
Additionally, the surgeon will also recommend taking certain pain relievers. So, make sure you take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your dentist.
Follow a soft food diet and avoid using straws to prevent dry sockets (a painful condition caused by dislodged blood clots).
What happens if you never have wisdom teeth removed?
Not getting your wisdom teeth removed, even though the dentist recommended doing so, could lead to a misaligned bite, severe mouth pain, and an increased risk of infection, especially with impacted teeth.
However, some individuals have enough space in their mouths to accommodate their wisdom teeth without issues and may never need them removed.
Ultimately, the outcome depends on a person’s tooth alignment and whether their wisdom teeth are impacted. If they do not affect existing teeth or cause complications, removal may not be necessary.
Can wisdom teeth grow back once extracted?
Once wisdom teeth have been fully extracted, both the tooth and its root are removed, and they cannot grow back.
However, in rare instances, an extra tooth bud may remain, potentially leading to the growth of another tooth, which could be mistaken for the regrowth of a wisdom tooth. If this occurs, the additional tooth may need to be extracted.
Conclusion
For some people, wisdom teeth can be harmless while for many others they can be problematic. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty with your wisdom teeth, consult your dentist for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment can prevent future complications and ensure better oral health.
