Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, known as the last teeth to emerge, are the third molars that are typically expected to appear between the ages of 18 and 25. Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth and resemble other molars. They may have 2-3 roots, but some may have 4 roots. The shape of the roots can vary from person to person. Generally, the roots merge to give the appearance of a large, cone-shaped root. Sometimes the roots can be twisted or spread out in different directions. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth are usually the last of the permanent teeth to emerge and are commonly named for the fact that they appear during the “wisdom” years of early adulthood.

However, in some people, these teeth may emerge in their 30s or not at all. When wisdom teeth grow properly, they do not cause any issues. However, if they do not develop healthily, wisdom teeth can become impacted, remaining stuck in the gums or jawbone and not growing out. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally. This can lead to infections, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Therefore, many dentists may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction procedure to remove problematic teeth.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If wisdom teeth are impacted but do not cause any problems, removal is not usually necessary due to the risk of potential complications from the procedure. However, sometimes partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can lead to dental issues. Food and bacteria can become trapped around the edges of wisdom teeth, leading to plaque buildup. Some conditions that necessitate wisdom tooth extraction include:

• Placement Issues: Due to insufficient space, teeth may emerge in incorrect positions or incompletely, pushing other teeth or causing pressure on the jawbone.
• Pain and Discomfort: During the emergence of wisdom teeth, pain, swelling, and discomfort are common due to pressure on other teeth or gums.
• Tooth Decay and Inflammation: Due to their position, wisdom teeth are more prone to decay and plaque buildup, leading to gingivitis and cavities.
• Pericoronitis: Wisdom teeth can be partially trapped under the gum, leading to inflammation and infection known as pericoronitis.
• Orthodontic Reasons: The emergence of wisdom teeth can affect ongoing orthodontic treatment or compromise the results of completed orthodontic treatment.

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth

The process of wisdom teeth emerging can manifest through various symptoms, typically appearing between the ages of 18 and 25. Some of these symptoms include:

• Pain and discomfort
• Swelling of the gums
• Redness of the gums
• Swelling in the surrounding tissues
• Bad breath
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Difficulty swallowing

Other symptoms can include a feeling of crowding or slight shifting of other teeth in the area where the tooth will emerge, earaches, or restricted mouth movements.

How is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Performed?

The extraction of wisdom teeth (third molars) is a routine surgical procedure usually performed in a dental office. A dentist can extract the wisdom teeth or refer the patient to a specialist. Before the procedure, the patient is typically informed about the process. The steps of wisdom tooth extraction may include:

1. Examination and Imaging: The first step is for the dentist or oral surgeon to examine the patient and evaluate the need for wisdom tooth extraction. Following a physical examination, the dentist may perform imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to assess the position of the wisdom tooth and surrounding tissues.
2. Anesthesia Administration: Before the extraction, a local anesthetic injection is usually given to numb the area around the tooth. When the dentist works to loosen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth, you may feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed.
3. Tooth Extraction: After administering anesthesia, the dentist uses special medical instruments to extract the wisdom tooth. The extraction procedure can vary depending on the position and emergence status of the tooth. Sometimes a small incision in the gum is necessary, and the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces before removal.
4. Suturing: In some cases, suturing the gum tissue may be required after tooth extraction to control bleeding and facilitate a quicker healing process.

The extraction of a wisdom tooth can take up to 20 minutes, and in some cases, it may take longer. After the extraction, swelling and discomfort may be felt both inside and outside the mouth. Sometimes mild bruising can occur. Once the extraction is completed, the dentist provides the patient with recovery and care recommendations, which typically include the use of pain relievers, cold compress applications, dietary suggestions, and oral hygiene practices.

When wisdom teeth do not emerge healthily, they can cause significant discomfort, requiring intervention from experienced dentists. Individuals experiencing discomfort related to their wisdom teeth can make an appointment with our oral and dental health clinic and begin their treatment. To make an appointment, they can use the phone or an online request form.