Understanding the Enigma of Wisdom Teeth
“Wisdom teeth” is an intriguing dental topic that continues to capture worldwide interest, accumulating a whopping 395k searches each month on the internet. This statistic is a testament to people's curiosity about these final set of molars. Why do they cause discomfort? What necessitates their removal? Read more to find out both here and in Part 1 of our Wisdom Tooth series.
The Emergence of Wisdom Teeth
Often, wisdom teeth begin to manifest themselves between the ages of 17 and 21. They are the third set of molars in the dental structure. However, their existence varies among individuals. Some people might have all four, others might have fewer, and some might not have any at all.
Are Wisdom Teeth Always Extracted?
The answer is, not always. The need for wisdom teeth removal depends significantly on an individual's unique anatomy. Some people have enough room for these teeth to erupt properly and aid in chewing. However, they're often hard to clean and can potentially compromise the oral hygiene around the second molars, prompting dentists to recommend their removal.
What Does It Mean for Wisdom Teeth to Be Impacted?
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that can't break through the gum line into your mouth due to being covered by either gum tissue or bone. These teeth can adopt various orientations, often leading to significant issues with adjacent teeth. As a result, removal is usually the suggested course of action.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There are a couple of scenarios when wisdom teeth should be removed:
– Pain or discomfort: The emergence of wisdom teeth can be quite uncomfortable, mirroring growing pains. Infections can develop around wisdom teeth, causing swelling and severe pain.
– Dentist's recommendation: If your wisdom teeth are impacted, have suspicious growths, or even if they've properly erupted but are hard to clean or maintain, your dentist may recommend their removal.
What to Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal
Oral surgeons most commonly perform the procedure of wisdom teeth removal. They typically use local anesthesia to numb your teeth, and you might even be put under sedation. Depending on the complexity of your situation and the dentist's expertise, your regular dentist might perform the extraction.
Post-procedure, a recovery period of 1-2 days is typical. You can expect stitches, which might either dissolve on their own or need removal by your doctor. Biting on gauze for around 30 minutes after the procedure is standard, and you might feel lethargic for the rest of the day if you were sedated. To manage swelling and potential pain, your doctor may recommend ice and prescribe medications.
The commonality of wisdom teeth removal suggests the importance of understanding the procedure. Being well-informed can help mitigate any apprehension and promote a smoother recovery process.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.