Wisdom teeth are a mystery in our dentition. They appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but vary according to the individual. They can cause problems if there is not enough space, resulting in impaction and pain. Not all of them need to be removed, but if they cause pain or problems, it is advisable to have a tooth extraction. Recovery after extraction will require postoperative care. Impacted wisdom teeth can have oral health complications. Consult a dentist to evaluate your extraction and prevent risks.
Facts about wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a group of teeth located at the end of the dental row. Their appearance is, in many cases, a cause of uncertainty and curiosity due to their name and the mystery surrounding them.
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although this can vary from person to person. Not everyone will develop wisdom teeth, and some people may get them before or after this age range.
Why are they called wisdom teeth? This name in itself raises questions, and to this day it is not entirely clear what the origin of this particular designation was.
To determine if you have wisdom teeth, it is advisable to have a dental x-ray. This study will allow the dentist to observe their presence and whether they are in the process of erupting. In addition, symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the area may indicate that wisdom teeth are erupting.
It is important to bear in mind that wisdom teeth can cause problems if there is not enough space for them to develop properly. In these cases, complications can arise such as impaction, where the teeth fail to fully emerge through the gums. This can lead to pain, infection, cysts or even damage to adjacent teeth.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Those that are fully erupted, do not cause pain or problems in the mouth, and can be properly cleaned and brushed may not require extraction. However, if wisdom teeth are impacted or are causing pain, infection or damage to neighbouring teeth, a tooth extraction is recommended.
Complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that fail to erupt completely and become trapped in gum tissue or bone. This condition can lead to a number of oral health complications, which are important to be aware of.
- Oral infections: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a build-up of bacteria and food debris around them, which increases the risk of oral infections. These infections can manifest as abscesses, inflammation and severe pain in the affected area.
- Dental displacement: Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure and push on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift. This can affect the alignment of the dentition and lead to bite problems and malocclusion.
- Damage to neighbouring teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on adjacent teeth, which can result in decay, fractures or other damage to these teeth.
- Gum problems: The presence of impacted wisdom teeth can cause inflammation, pain and bleeding of the gums. In addition, periodontal pockets can form around these impacted teeth, increasing the risk of periodontal disease.
- Joint disorders: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause pain problems and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
- Risk of cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of odontogenic cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that develop in bone tissue. These cysts can cause damage and destruction of the surrounding bone.
- Possible development of oral cancer: Although rare, long-term impacted wisdom teeth may slightly increase the risk of developing oral cancer. However, it is important to remember that this risk is very low and is usually associated with other risk factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
In the presence of impacted wisdom teeth, it is essential to see a dentist for a proper evaluation. Only a professional can determine if removal is necessary and perform the procedure safely and efficiently. Timely removal can prevent complications and promote long-term oral health.
Wisdom teeth removal procedure
Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure performed in the dentist's office. The following is a step-by-step process:
Administration of local anaesthesia
Before starting, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the extraction will be performed. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Making the incision
Once the area is numb, a small incision will be made in the gums to access the wisdom teeth. This incision will allow the dentist to have adequate access and visibility to perform the extraction safely and accurately.
Extraction of wisdom teeth
Once the incision is made, the dentist will carefully remove the wisdom teeth. He or she will use specialised tools to loosen and remove the teeth from their position in the jaw.
Closing the incision
Once the wisdom teeth have been successfully removed, the incision will be closed with stitches. These stitches will help keep the wound closed and promote proper healing.
Subsequent recovery
After the procedure, it is normal to experience a few days of swelling and discomfort. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include the use of prescription painkillers, icing the area, avoiding hard or hot foods, maintaining good oral hygiene and rinsing with salt water.
It is important to follow the dentist's recommendations to the letter to ensure good healing and minimise discomfort after wisdom tooth removal.
