What are wisdom teeth?
When most people hear the term "wisdom teeth," they often recall a painful experience of having them grow in and eventually needing to have them removed. Wisdom teeth are our third molars, which typically erupt during the late teens to early adulthood. However, due to insufficient space in the jaw, the growth of wisdom teeth is often problematic. They may fail to fully emerge or erupt at an incorrect angle, leading to a condition known as "impacted wisdom teeth", which can cause numbers of oral issues.
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
In general, each person can have up to four wisdom teeth. However, some individuals may only have one to three wisdom teeth, or they may not have any at all. This is influenced by factors such as genetics, ethnicity, and oral bone structure.
When is wisdom tooth extraction necessary?
If the following conditions occur, a dentist may recommend to remove the wisdom teeth:
1. Tooth Decay: Due to insufficient space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can erupt in a misaligned position. Misaligned wisdom teeth can create gaps between themselves and adjacent second molars, making it easy for food debris to accumulate. Additionally, due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of tooth decay.
2. Gum Inflammation: Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food debris and foster bacterial growth between the crown of the tooth and the partially covering gum tissue. This can lead to infection and inflammation. Once it progresses to "pericoronitis," patients may experience pain and facial swelling.
3. Cyst Formation: If wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly and remain completely hidden beneath the gum tissue, they can cause infection or form cysts. This condition can result in pain and damage to the jawbone tissue.
4. Impact on Neighboring Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift or tilt. Prolonged pressure can lead to crowding of the teeth, affecting their alignment, and may even cause resorption of neighboring tooth roots.
Can wisdom teeth be ignored if they're not causing pain?
Indeed, a small percentage of people may not experience pain or problems associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Their wisdom teeth may fully erupt and align properly with other teeth. However, the absence of pain does not necessarily mean that wisdom teeth can be left untouched. While pain is a common symptom of wisdom tooth issues, it is not the only indicator. The decision to extract wisdom teeth is typically based on various considerations, including tooth position, oral health status, impact on neighboring teeth, and potential future concerns.
Even if wisdom teeth are currently not causing obvious pain or discomfort, their location at the very back of the mouth can result in improper occlusion or make them easily overlooked during daily oral hygiene practices. This can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation due to bacterial growth, with the greatest concern being the impact on neighboring teeth. Therefore, a dentist may recommend preventive extraction of wisdom teeth before they develop problems to avoid potential issues.
Consulting a Dentist
If you have doubts about whether your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, it is best to seek professional advice from a dentist or oral surgeon. They can assess your oral condition and provide appropriate treatment recommendations based on your individual circumstances
