Wisdom Teeth - Do They Cause You A Lot Of Problems?

Wisdom teeth - Do they cause you a lot of problems?

The wisdom teeth are also known as the third molars. Aside from the 28 permanent teeth which grow inside our oral cavity between the ages of 7 and 14, there are four more molars that erupt later in life. These final four third molars erupt between the ages of 20 and 25, when adults are thought to be more mature and wise. As a result, wisdom teeth get their name.

Because the diet used to be relatively raw and abrasive, these third molars were thought to help adults chew more effectively. However, as time passed, dietary habits changed, and jaw size developed, resulting in less space to accommodate the third molars. It is estimated that 20-30% of people have their lower wisdom teeth impacted.

When there isn't enough room for the tooth to erupt, it will either become stuck inside the bone or partially erupt in the available space. Teeth can become stuck in unusual postures due to a lack of space, such as reverse tilt, resting flat, or tilting forward. The wisdom teeth in question are considered to be impacted.

Is it true that wisdom teeth are always problematic?

Certainly not. It rarely creates any difficulties if there is ample room and the teeth erupt regularly.

However, if there isn't enough room and the teeth aren't in the right place, they might cause major difficulties.

1. Pericoronitis- Pericoronitis is a common complication of an erupting wisdom tooth. The gums around the erupting tooth are inflamed, causing considerable pain and discomfort.
2. Food dislodging or tooth decay, resulting in severe illness and edoema. This is sometimes accompanied with neck, ear, and head pain, as well as a restriction in mouth opening.

Gargling with warm salt water, together with antibiotics and pain relievers, helps to alleviate the symptoms.

When should you have your wisdom teeth extracted?

When a tooth does not erupt properly, or when it causes pericoronitis and infection repeatedly without erupting. When a tooth is deteriorated and an RCT isn't recommended, or when orthodontic therapy necessitates extraction.

An impacted tooth is surgically removed(Wisdom tooth extraction) in the dental chair under local anaesthetic. A diagnostic x-ray is taken to determine the position of the tooth in respect to the neighbouring teeth, bone, and nerves beneath it. This will assist the surgeon in efficiently planning the surgery. For the patient, local anaesthetic is more than enough and comfortable. People who are afraid of the procedure can have it done under general anaesthesia. The length of surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and is normally performed in 45 minutes to an hour.

Post surgery there may be swelling & restriction in opening mouth. Antibiotics and medicines, on the other hand, can effectively control them. It has no bearing on the patient's ability to come to the appointment. In around 7-14 days, they should be returning to normal chewing functions.

The surgery can cause some prolonged tingling in the lips and tongue for several days if the tooth is very close to the nerve. No muscle or chewing functions, however, will be harmed. To avoid food impaction and infection, post-operative hygiene is critical.