Your Wisdom Teeth Guide
Posted on: 19 October 2022
Wisdom teeth or third molars are teeth that erupt later in life. In the past, they may have helped early humans better chew raw foods. However, today, many people have them removed because they cause many issues. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt?
Humans grow one set of baby teeth (primary teeth) and one set of permanent teeth, which consists of many more teeth. Wisdom teeth are part of your set of permanent teeth. While most permanent teeth erupt by the ages of about 12 or 13, wisdom teeth do not erupt until ages 17 to 21.
As the third set of molars, they grow in the far back, so no one will really notice them. As teeth cut through the gums, you may have some mild discomfort. If wisdom teeth grow incorrectly, you may also have pain or even an infection.
Why Do People Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In many cases, there simply isn't enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to sit comfortably. For this reason, they may grow at an angle or not fully erupt. If teeth grow at an angle (impacted teeth), they could cause damage to nearby teeth. If teeth don't fully erupt, they have a higher risk of getting infected.
Even if the teeth fully erupt, it may be hard to clean the teeth. The tight space can make flossing hard, and your gag reflex may make it hard to fully brush the third molars. If there are any issues with your wisdom teeth, your dentist will recommend extraction. If your mouth has enough room and you can keep the teeth clean, your dentist may suggest you keep them.
Will You Need Surgical Extraction?
Many general dentists provide simple extractions, but many dentists refer patients to dental surgeons for surgical extractions. During a simple extraction, the dentist has easy access to the tooth's crown. If the crown is under the gum (partially or fully) or if the crown is too damaged, a surgical extraction may be needed.
During a surgical extraction, an incision is made in the gums to access the tooth. For this reason, you'll need stitches. The healing process for both surgical and simple extractions is similar. If your dentist doesn't use dissolving stitches, however, you'll need to have them removed.
Wisdom teeth often cause trouble. They can easily get infected, especially if they can't fully erupt. If you would like to know more, contact a dentist in your area today. For more information on wisdom teeth removal surgery, contact a professional near you.
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