Wisdom teeth are 3rd molar teeth and the last teeth in the mouth. Third molars come in or erupt mainly between 17 to 25 years of age, average of 20. If these teeth erupt in the wrong position, it becomes necessary to remove them.
When do the wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If these teeth erupt in a normal position, then there’s no need for the tooth extraction, but in the following cases, it has become necessary to remove wisdom teeth.
- When the wisdom tooth is not fully erupted fully or partially covered with soft tissue, it causes food lodgement in between the tooth and soft tissue and may cause tooth decay (tooth caries or cavities) and infection of tooth-covered soft tissue also known as Pericoronitis.
- When it has partially erupted and angulated buccally or palatally, it may cause trauma to surrounding tissue.
- When there’s a chance of damage to the inferior alveolar nerve by the impacted third molar or wisdom tooth.
- Supraeruption of the wisdom tooth may cause trauma to the tissue if there’s no opposite tooth.
- When there’s a concern about periodontal health problems.
- When an impacted (still in the jaw bone, not erupted in the oral cavity) or partially erupted wisdom tooth puts pressure on or damages an adjacent tooth or tooth root. Its movement causes pain.
- In orthodontic treatment, when the requirement of retraction of the 1st and 2nd molar, impacted third molar, or wisdom tooth interferes with the treatment.
Also read : How to keep your Teeth and Gums Healthy
When should you visit your Dentist for Wisdom teeth?
You should see your dentist for wisdom teeth in 3 conditions.
- At the age of 16-20 years, to know the position of wisdom teeth. It is better to know early before wisdom teeth damage adjacent teeth or create complications.
- When you have severe pain. Many people face this situation, and wisdom tooth removal becomes necessary in such cases.
- If you feel food accumulation near partially erupted wisdom teeth.
The dentist will check your wisdom tooth with a radiograph and let you know the appropriate treatment.
It is better to remove wisdom teeth at an early age (in-between 16-20 years) as the healing process is better, and it creates fewer complications.
Also read : What is tooth sensitivity
When do you not need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
When your wisdom teeth erupt in line or in the correct position without affecting adjacent teeth, and there’s no pain. In such situations, there’s no need for the removal of wisdom teeth.
Myths About Wisdom Teeth
Myth 1 : Wisdom teeth are useless
Reality : No, every time not wisdom teeth are useless. In some patients, where wisdom teeth erupt properly and it is useful in chewing. If upper wisdom teeth and lower wisdom teeth erupt properly, intercuspation of upper and lower wisdom teeth, if present, helps in chewing.
If any one of them is present completely and the second one is absent or does not erupt properly, then wisdom teeth are not useful.
Myth 2: Wisdom teeth always cause problems
Reality : Most of the time, wisdom teeth cause problems in cases such as crowding. Due to their improper position of wisdom tooth, it can push against the adjacent teeth, causing crowding. Due to crowded teeth, maintaining oral hygiene is difficult.
Infection, due to the mesioangular or horizontal position of wisdom teeth i.e., partially erupted, higher chances of food trap there, leads to bacterial infection or inflammation of gums, leading to pericoronitis.
Impaction, due to insufficient space in the bone, wisdom teeth can be impacted it causing pain, food lodgment, and harm to adjacent tissue. But it is not true in every case. In such cases, jaw size is enough to properly erupt wisdom teeth without causing any discomfort.
Position: When wisdom teeth come in properly aligned, in a straight position, it will be helpful in chewing. Also, if the position of wisdom teeth is correct, no chance of getting food stuck, and maintaining oral hygiene is very easy.
Myth 3 : Wisdom teeth removal is very complicated and painful
Reality : It’s completely a myth that wisdom teeth removal is painful; it is a completely painless dental procedure. It is complicated in such cases like horizontal, distoangular, and when it is not visible in the oral cavity, but with the help of digital dentistry and the expertise of Oral Surgeon, we can manage easily.
For post-treatment Pain management, your dentist will advise you to take NSAIDs, ice therapy, and some dietary restrictions.
Myth 4 : Wisdom teeth extraction affects the jaw structure
Reality : It’s completely a myth that after wisdom tooth removal, jaw size will be decreased. Wisdom teeth extraction is only about wisdom teeth, not involving surrounding bone or tissue.
Myth 5 : Upper Wisdom teeth removal affects eyesight
Reality : The bigger myth is the connection between teeth and the eye. The nerve supply of teeth and eyes both are different, so, removal of wisdom teeth does not affect eyesight.
Myth 6: After wisdom teeth or any other teeth removal, we can drink alcohol or smoke
Reality : No, some people believe that alcohol relieves the pain, but it is completely wrong. It will lead to a ‘DRY SOCKET’. After extraction, blood clotting occurs in the extraction site, and that blood clot may remain intact. Drinking alcohol or smoking dislodges the blood clot, which can lead to a dry socket – extremely painful infection that occurs in the extraction site. Learn more about Dry socket.
I hope this informative article helps you understand when wisdom tooth removal is required and when you do not need Wisdom Teeth Removal, myths about wisdom teeth.
