Wisdom teeth eruption often causes discomfort and pain among young adults. Those who experience this pain usually alleviate it through tooth extraction. In this article, we will answer questions about wisdom teeth such as, are they useful? Why do wisdom teeth erupt so late?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt in the mouth and are usually between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are the last four of the 32 teeth in the mouth and are located at the back of the jawbone.
What is the purpose of wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can be very useful if they are positioned correctly. However, they require good care as they are more sensitive than other teeth. If wisdom teeth decay, the pain can be three times worse than normal toothache as many nerve endings are affected.
The eruption process of wisdom teeth
The eruption process of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience no problems during the eruption process, while others may suffer from pain and infections.
Stages of Wisdom Teeth Eruption
Tooth bud stage: The stage where the tooth begins to develop. Root development stage: The stage where the roots of the tooth develop, allowing the tooth to anchor to the jawbone. Appearance of the tooth: The gradual emergence of the tooth above the gum line. Full emergence: When the tooth has fully emerged and taken its place among the other teeth. When should wisdom teeth be extracted?
Wisdom teeth can cause gum inflammation when they erupt, especially if there are other teeth decayed or broken. Unfortunately, dentists usually extract wisdom teeth instead of filling them. This is because wisdom teeth can’t properly align due to decayed teeth. Therefore, these teeth must be extracted.
If the area where the wisdom teeth will emerge is very small, extraction is necessary. These molars are quite large, and if they cannot fit into the available space, they can disrupt the alignment of other teeth, which can cause problems such as shifting.
Symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth
The following are symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth:
Pain and sensitivity Swelling and redness of the gums Swelling of the jaw and face Headache Loss of appetite Bad breath Why do wisdom teeth erupt so late?
For wisdom teeth to develop, a certain amount of jawbone clearance is needed, as they are larger than other teeth. Therefore, when a certain amount of jawbone clearance is achieved, the eruption process begins. This jawbone clearance usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 30. However, some people may never develop wisdom teeth due to their physical structure, particularly those with small jawbones or slow bone development.
Is there a difference between wisdom teeth extraction and normal tooth extraction?
In wisdom tooth extraction, the tooth is often covered with mucosa. Therefore, the mucosa must be removed during the extraction process. The extraction process for wisdom teeth also varies depending on the teeth’s positioning and location. However, if the wisdom tooth extraction proceeds normally, there is no difference between wisdom tooth extraction and normal tooth extraction.
The process of wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia by a dentist. The procedure is as follows:
Examination and X-rays: The dentist examines the wisdom tooth and takes X-rays to determine if it is suitable for extraction.
Anesthesia: The area around the wisdom tooth is anesthetized.
Tooth extraction: The dentist removes the tooth from the jawbone using appropriate techniques and tools.
Stopping bleeding: Bleeding is controlled after extraction by applying a gauze pad to the area.
Healing process: The healing process begins after tooth extraction.
Why do wisdom teeth come in late?
Wisdom teeth require a certain amount of jaw space in order to emerge properly. Since they are larger than other teeth, they need more room to grow in. This means that the jaw needs to be fully developed before they can emerge. Typically, this happens between the ages of 18 and 30, but some people’s physical development may be delayed, causing their wisdom teeth to come in later.
Is there a difference between wisdom teeth extraction and normal tooth extraction?
When it comes to removing wisdom teeth, the procedure is similar to other tooth extractions. However, wisdom teeth are often covered by a layer of mucosa that must be removed before the tooth can be extracted. The extraction process can also be more complicated depending on the position and shape of the tooth.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Evaluation: Your dentist will evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine if extraction is necessary.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be used to numb the area around the tooth.
- Extraction: The tooth will be removed using specialized instruments and techniques.
- Recovery: You will be given instructions for aftercare and pain management.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Aftercare
After your wisdom teeth are extracted, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare to ensure proper healing. Here are some general tips:
- Bite down on gauze for an hour or two to control bleeding.
- Apply ice to your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods and avoid hot or hard foods for a few days.
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
- Take pain relievers as prescribed by your dentist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth can be beneficial if they grow in properly and are well-maintained. However, they can also cause problems if they become impacted or infected. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your wisdom teeth, it’s important to consult your dentist and determine the best course of action. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that can provide relief and prevent further complications. With proper aftercare, you can ensure a quick and comfortable recovery
