Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While they served a purpose for our ancestors, helping them chew coarse, tough food like roots, nuts, and meat, the modern human jaw has evolved and often lacks the space to accommodate these extra teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth can cause various oral health problems, which is why many people are advised to have them removed.
In this article, we will delve into what wisdom teeth are, the complications they can cause, and why you might consider having them extracted.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and are the final set of molars that typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. Humans usually have four wisdom teeth: one in each corner of the mouth, behind the second molars. However, not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth, and some people may not develop them at all.
The Purpose of Wisdom Teeth
In ancient times, human ancestors had larger jaws and relied on wisdom teeth to help grind down plant material and raw meat. These additional molars were useful for a diet that required a lot of chewing. Over time, human diets changed due to cooking and softer, processed foods, leading to smaller jaw sizes. With modern dental care and better oral hygiene, people no longer lose teeth at an early age, leaving less room for wisdom teeth to emerge.
How Wisdom Teeth Emerge
Wisdom teeth usually begin to push through the gums in the late teenage years or early twenties. If there is enough room in the mouth, the teeth may emerge without any issues. However, in most cases, the mouth is too small to accommodate the extra set of molars. This leads to various complications such as impaction, crowding, and infections.
Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth
While not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth, many people encounter issues that necessitate their removal. Here are some of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth:
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that fails to fully emerge through the gum line. This can happen when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for the tooth to emerge properly. Impacted teeth can either remain fully beneath the gum or partially emerge. In both cases, they can cause discomfort and lead to more serious complications.
Types of Impaction:
- Soft tissue impaction: The tooth partially emerges but remains covered by gum tissue.
- Partial bony impaction: The tooth emerges slightly, but part of it remains trapped in the jawbone.
- Full bony impaction: The tooth is completely trapped within the jawbone and does not break through the gum line.
2. Infections
When wisdom teeth partially break through the gums, they can create a flap of gum tissue that allows bacteria and food particles to accumulate. This can lead to infections such as pericoronitis, which causes pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth or even the neck, posing a risk to overall health.
3. Tooth Crowding
A lack of space in the mouth can lead to tooth crowding, where wisdom teeth push against other teeth, causing them to shift. This can undo years of orthodontic work or create misalignment issues, making it difficult to maintain proper dental hygiene. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
4. Cysts and Tumors
In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause the formation of a cyst—a fluid-filled sac that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. If left untreated, cysts can lead to more severe complications, such as benign tumors. Although tumors are rare, they may require surgery to remove the affected tissue.
5. Decay and Gum Disease
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are harder to clean properly. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Even if your wisdom teeth come in correctly, the risk of cavities and infection is still higher due to their location and difficulty in reaching with a toothbrush or floss.
Why You Should Get Wisdom Teeth Removed
While not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, many dentists recommend extraction to avoid the aforementioned complications. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting your wisdom teeth removed:
1. Prevent Future Problems
Removing wisdom teeth early, even before they cause symptoms, can prevent future problems. Dentists may recommend extraction as a preventive measure to avoid issues such as impaction, infection, and crowding. It’s easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger patients because the roots aren’t fully formed, and the bone is less dense, leading to a quicker recovery.
2. Alleviate Pain
If you’re already experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, extraction can provide relief. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain in the jaw, gums, and surrounding teeth. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the ear or head, leading to headaches or migraines.
3. Prevent Infection and Inflammation
Wisdom teeth can lead to infections such as pericoronitis, which causes swelling, redness, and difficulty chewing or speaking. By removing the problematic teeth, you can prevent recurrent infections and the need for antibiotics or other treatments.
4. Avoid Orthodontic Issues
If you’ve had braces or other orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth can undo years of progress by causing teeth to shift and become misaligned. Removing them before they cause crowding can help maintain the alignment of your teeth and prevent the need for further orthodontic work.
5. Stop Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease due to their location at the back of the mouth. If you find it difficult to clean these teeth properly, removing them can reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, it can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
The Procedure
- Consultation: Before the surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
- Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used will depend on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level. You may receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
- Extraction: The dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and remove it. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- Stitches: After the tooth is removed, the incision may be stitched up, and gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help stop any bleeding.
Recovery
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, but most people recover within a week or two. During the recovery period, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to avoid complications such as infection or dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged.
Aftercare Tips:
- Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies during the first few days of recovery.
- Avoid Smoking and Straws: Smoking and using straws can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
- Keep the Area Clean: Follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning the extraction site to prevent infection.
Conclusion
While wisdom teeth were once essential for our ancestors, they are often more trouble than they’re worth in modern times. Impacted, infected, or misaligned wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other oral health problems. Getting them removed, especially as a preventive measure, can help you avoid these issues and maintain good oral health.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or are concerned about your wisdom teeth, it’s best to consult your dentist. They can provide personalized advice and determine whether removal is the right option for you.
