Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of our mouths and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
Not everyone will develop wisdom teeth, but most people will and will likely need them to be removed. In most cases, it is impacted wisdom teeth that require removal. If your dentist suggests that you remove your wisdom tooth but you are hesitant to do so or are waiting it out, your decision might actually do you more harm than good. Here’s why:
First, What Does It Mean For Wisdom Teeth To Be Impacted?
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted if it gets stuck under your gum or does not have enough room to erupt through the gum. This generally happens if you have a small jaw or if the tooth grows at the wrong angle, causing the tooth to become impacted. You may notice your impacted wisdom tooth break through your gums a little or erupt sideways. This is called a partially impacted wisdom tooth. If a partially impacted wisdom tooth is not removed, it can put you at risk of gum disease and infection.
How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?
Some common indications of a wisdom tooth include:
- Swelling of the gums
- Bleeding or tender gums
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
Additionally, if the wisdom tooth breaks through the gums, you may experience headaches or a fever. In some instances, you may also notice a small flap of gum around the area of the emerging tooth. If you start experiencing these symptoms, please see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid potential complications!
What Is The Wisdom Tooth Surgery Procedure Like?
The wisdom tooth surgery procedure can vary depending on the location and position of the wisdom teeth. However, in general, the procedure will involve the following steps:
- Anesthesia: You will be given anesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. This can be done with local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the teeth, or with general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during the procedure.
- Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth.
- Removal of bone: If necessary, the dentist or oral surgeon will remove any bone that is blocking access to the wisdom teeth.
- Removal of teeth: The dentist or oral surgeon will remove the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are difficult to remove, they may be divided into smaller pieces.
- Suturing: The dentist or oral surgeon will suture the incision closed.
- Gauze packing: A gauze pad will be placed over the extraction sites to control bleeding.
Is It Necessary To Remove My Wisdom Tooth?
Whether or not it is necessary to remove your wisdom tooth will depend on a number of factors, including the location and position of the teeth, the health of the teeth, and the patient’s overall health. In general, wisdom teeth are removed if they are:
- Impacted: Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that are unable to erupt through the gum tissue. This can cause a number of problems, including pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can also cause crowding if they do not have enough room to erupt through the gum tissue. This can put pressure on other teeth and lead to misalignment of the teeth.
- Decay: Wisdom teeth are more likely to develop cavities than other teeth. This is because they are often difficult to clean, due to their location in the back of the mouth.
- Infection: Wisdom teeth can also become infected, which can cause pain, swelling, and fever.
If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, you should see your dentist or oral surgeon for a consultation. They will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of treatment.
References
- Dodson, T. B., & Susarla, S. M. (2010). Impacted wisdom teeth. BMJ clinical evidence, 2010, 1302.
- Mettes, T. G., Nienhuijs, M. E., van der Sanden, W. J., Verdonschot, E. H., & Plasschaert, A. J. (2005). Interventions for treating asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth in adolescents and adults. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (2), CD003879. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003879.pub2
