How Do You Know When To Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Today we’ll be answering the important questions about your wisdom teeth, and I don’t mean whether they really make you smart or not. Common questions about wisdom teeth include when do they tend to grow in, when do they need to be removed, and what will the extraction entail.
Interestingly enough, wisdom teeth were written about in ancient times by Aristotle, and they got their name because they appeared so late in a person’s life compared to the other adult teeth, it was presumed that a person had earned some measure of wisdom. Unfortunately, for many people, these teeth present a painful problem, either growing in with a wrong alignment or being more prone to cavities because they are difficult to clean.
At Grand Lake Dental, we understand the importance of keeping your mouth healthy, and that includes properly planning for and dealing with the eruption of wisdom teeth.
What are wisdom teeth?
A wisdom tooth is the third and rearmost molar in the adult jaw. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it’s possible to have fewer or no wisdom teeth at all. On the other hand, on rare occasions, it’s possible to have even more than four, in which case these teeth are known as supernumerary.
The reason that we have wisdom teeth is still a matter of debate. One theory is that the skulls of our human ancestors had larger jaws and more teeth in order to chew the thick plants that made up much of the human diet at that time. However, with the advent of agriculture, softer foods became readily available, with larger percentages of carbohydrates and high energy foods. This resulted in our jaws undergoing less forward growth and there was no longer as much room for the third molar.
When do wisdom teeth normally erupt?
It’s impossible to say with any certainty when a person’s wisdom teeth will erupt (the official term for new teeth breaking through the gums). Typically, the wisdom teeth will grow in when a person is in their late teens to early twenties. But Aristotle wrote about a woman whose wisdom teeth didn’t appear until she was in her 80’s. While this would be an extreme example, it’s not unusual for wisdom teeth to fail to appear until a person is in their 30’s or even 40’s.
It’s also possible that a person can get x-rayed and show that they have the early formation of one or more wisdom teeth, but that those teeth never fully grow in. Of course, even if they don’t erupt, these teeth can still cause trouble in a person’s jaw, especially if they are growing beneath the gums at an angle that places pressure on the other teeth.
What problems can wisdom teeth cause?
Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can cause quite a bit of trouble for people. The main reason for problems arises when a person’s jaw is not big enough to fit these rear molars. In such cases, as they grow in, the wisdom teeth can get impacted against the other teeth. In the worst scenarios, the collision of teeth can damage the enamel and lead to permanent harm.
Even when the impact does not push the other teeth, there are other concerns you must be aware of. When wisdom teeth are in an incorrect position, this can lead to food particles becoming trapped, making cavities much more likely. It will also be tougher to properly floss these teeth, again making tooth decay more prevalent. Moreover, wisdom teeth, even when they are only partially grown in, leave a place for bacteria to enter your gums and allow for infection, known as pericoronitis, to occur.
For this reason, in some cases, wisdom teeth will be removed even before such problems can occur. Although such preventative measures will not always be recommended, it’s wise to let your dentist look for signs of future problems and make an appropriate suggestion for how to care for them.
What is the process for extracting a wisdom tooth?
You’ll be happy to know that a wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure. While it needs to be taken seriously, this is an outpatient procedure that rarely has any complications. It will normally involve a local anesthesia injected into the site of the extraction, though when necessary could require sedation or general anesthesia.
The procedure is very straightforward. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist will make an incision in the gums. This will reveal the root of the tooth and the jaw. The tooth will then either be loosened by moving it back and forth, or will be cut into pieces prior to removal. Next, the area will be cleaned and the dentist will make sure no fragments of tooth or bone are left behind. Gauze will be applied to stop the bleeding.
You may notice some bleeding over the next twenty-four hours. Excessive spitting or swishing of water or other liquid could cause a dislodging of the blood clot. If after a day you still are noticing quite a bit of blood, be sure to let your dentist know and you may require a follow up appointment.
With regards to pain management, over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol may be enough, or you may be prescribed a medication by your dentist. This will depend largely on how invasive the procedure was. It’s not unusual for swelling to be present for two to three days afterwards.
Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and hot drinks for at least 24 hours. Avoid using a straw for at least a week. Stick to soft foods for the first day, and then gradually incorporate semisoft foods as you can tolerate them. Hard, chewy, and spicy foods should be avoided.
Your Grove, Oklahoma Wisdom Teeth Specialist
Any form of tooth extraction is a serious endeavor, but thanks to advancements in dental care, it’s never been easier. At Grand Lake Dental, our professional, experienced team led by Dr. Karl Jobst has a proven track record of success, and we always put the health and comfort of our patients first. If you have a wisdom tooth giving you trouble, contact us today.