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Discover the ins and outs of wisdom teeth and their history in this comprehensive guide.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 24, a common time for teens and early twenties to experience their emergence. Some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face severe pain, swelling, gum disease or tooth decay, hence making wisdom tooth removal necessary.
Wisdom teeth were thought to have served a more important role in our distant ancestors, who had larger jaws and a meat-based diet. As our diet changed and jaw sizes became smaller, wisdom teeth were rarely used daily, leading to problems like misalignment and impaction. They have become a vestigial part of our lives.
Wisdom teeth often pose problems as they emerge late and struggle for space in the jaw. They may grow in awkward angles, become impacted, or only partially break through the soft tissue of the gums. Removing wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure that helps prevent complications and maintain oral health.
What are the common problems associated with wisdom teeth?
As wisdom teeth are now deemed non-functional in our oral health, any issues or complications that arise often result in tooth removal. Let's dive into some of the common problems associated with wisdom teeth!
Impaction
When there is not enough room in the jaw for the wisdom tooth to emerge properly, it will only partially erupt through the gums. This can potentially result in discomfort, infections and possible damage to nearby teeth. Learn more about it in this article about Impacted Wisdom Teeth.
Crowding
Due to constricted space in the jaw, the teeth might erupt in a different position causing misalignment and crowding.
Infection
Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth can form gum pockets behind the second molar. Bacteria accumulation in these pockets can result in persistent infections or gum disease, making it challenging to open your mouth comfortably. Additionally, there may be swelling or redness around the gums.
Cysts and Tumours
Rarely, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of fluid-filled cysts or tumours. If not addressed promptly, these growths can harm neighbouring teeth, jawbone and nerves.
Decay
Wisdom teeth are prone to tooth decay and gum disease due to their hard-to-reach location, making it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Severe decay in the wisdom tooth may be hard to treat due to limited access as it is in the back of the mouth.
If you encounter any of these problems, it is best to seek advice from a dentist who can assess your wisdom teeth and recommend the most suitable course of action. Click here to book a dental appointment with us.
What are the treatment options for my problematic wisdom teeth?
Removing the wisdom tooth may be essential if it's leading to problems and complications.
Here's a brief overview of treatment options for removing wisdom teeth.
1) Observation
Sometimes, if the wisdom teeth are not causing any issues and are not impacted (fully or partially trapped beneath the gum line), your dentist may recommend monitoring them regularly through dental check-ups. This is the most common treatment for problematic wisdom teeth in teens and early adults.
2) Normal Extraction
This is the most common treatment for problematic wisdom teeth that are fully out of the gums. If they are causing pain, infection or damage to adjacent teeth or are at risk of such issues, extraction may be recommended.
3) Surgical Extraction
Surgical extraction may be necessary for an impacted wisdom tooth (unable to come out through the gum fully) or partially impacted and causing problems.
4) Preventive Removal
In some cases, even if the wisdom teeth aren't causing immediate issues, they may be removed preventively to avoid potential future problems
5) Orthodontic Treatment
In certain situations where the wisdom teeth are causing crowding, their removal may be part of an orthodontic treatment plan to align the teeth properly.
The position and complexity of the wisdom tooth can greatly influence the diagnosis made by the Dentist or Oral Surgeon, guiding them in determining the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs! Other factors, such as medical history and their effect on tooth extraction, also come into question. You can also check out the Wisdom Teeth Removal article for more information!
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What are the potential complications after getting wisdom teeth removal?
Dry Socket
A dry socket is a common complication following wisdom tooth extractions. It occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and delay the healing process.
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, wisdom tooth removal can result in nerve damage, particularly to the inferior alveolar nerve. This can cause numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Most cases of nerve damage are temporary, but some may be permanent.
How do I care for my wisdom teeth?
Knowing how to avoid issues and properly care for wisdom teeth is essential in preserving oral health and overall wellness. Here's a brief on prevention and care for wisdom teeth.
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Regular Dental Check-ups — Frequent dental check-ups are essential to monitor the growth and alignment of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will closely monitor their development and advise on necessary steps if any concerns arise.
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X-rays — X-rays help dentists assess the position of wisdom teeth and detect any potential problems early on, even before symptoms appear.
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Good Oral Hygiene — Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and ensuring to rinse your mouth using an antiseptic mouthwash or salt water can help prevent decay and gum disease around wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while wisdom tooth can pose various issues for some individuals, understanding their function, potential problems and the importance of regular dental check-ups can help manage any complications.
Like an unexpected visitor who has overstayed their welcome, wisdom teeth remind us that even the wisest individuals are not immune to the quirks of evolution. Whether we choose to bid farewell to these remnants of our history or embrace their presence, one thing remains certain: true wisdom lies in knowing when it's time to say goodbye to them.
Come book a consultation with us to learn more about your Wisdom Tooth!
References
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Dodson, T. B., & Susarla, S. M. (2014). Impacted wisdom teeth. BMJ clinical evidence, 2014.
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Agrawal, A., Yadav, A., Chandel, S., Singh, N., & Singhal, A. (2014). Wisdom tooth-complications in extraction. The journal of contemporary dental practice, 15(1), 34.
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Mettes, T. D. G., Ghaeminia, H., Nienhuijs, M. E., Perry, J., van der Sanden, W. J., & Plasschaert, A. (2012). Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6).