Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Management
Contents
A wisdom tooth, also called the third molar, is one of the three molars at the furthest ends of your upper and lower jaws. These teeth are called wisdom because they come between 17-25 years of age – a period of life called the ‘age of wisdom’. They are the last teeth to develop in your mouth, and in many cases, they are impacted, which might result in various dental problems.
Wisdom teeth management is an integral part of oral health care. As wisdom teeth start to emerge, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with them. In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth, leading to misalignment of the teeth and jaw. This can lead to difficulty chewing and speaking and an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they cannot emerge from the gums fully. This can lead to infection, pain, and damage to adjacent teeth.
Does Everyone Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
When it comes to wisdom teeth, there is a lot of debate about whether or not they should be removed. On the one hand, wisdom teeth can cause mouth overcrowding, leading to many other dental issues. On the other hand, some people can keep their wisdom teeth without any problems. So, the question remains: Does everyone have their wisdom teeth removed?
The answer is no. While it is true that wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and other issues, everyone doesn’t need to have them removed. Many people can keep their wisdom teeth without any issues. However, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth, you must consult your dentist to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Your dentist can assess your situation and determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary. If it is, they will discuss the procedure with you and provide you with the necessary information. It is important to remember that wisdom teeth removal is a significant procedure and should not be taken lightly. It is also essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision.
Ultimately, the decision to have your wisdom teeth removed is a personal one. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth, you must consult your dentist to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary. However, if you can keep your wisdom teeth without any issues, it is unnecessary to have them removed.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot break through the gums due to a lack of room. According to estimates, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, which is quite a common issue.
Impacted wisdom teeth are no major threat to your health, but they can cause potential problems in your mouth, including:
- Damage to neighboring teeth
- Infection
- Gum disease
- Systemic infections and illnesses affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, even the wisdom teeth that break in your gums normally are still very prone to disease. Just because you are not currently in pain, it does not mean that your wisdom teeth are not a potential risk in your mouth. Typically your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon decides to remove your wisdom tooth in these cases:
- Cavities impossible to restore
- Cysts, tumors, and other pathologies
- Infection
- Periodontal disease
- Damage to neighboring teeth
Wisdom teeth that are completely healthy and functional do not require extraction. However, they need to be monitored regularly to prevent any of the above conditions from happening.
Surgery Info
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon usually performs wisdom tooth surgery. The complexity of the surgery is very individual and depends on various factors – how the tooth is positioned, the stage of root development, etc. The surgery might be more complicated if the wisdom tooth is impacted.
In general, the surgery is performed in the office of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a dentist. Depending on your specific condition, the doctor will decide whether you need local or general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Under anesthesia, the procedure involves little or no pain.
After the surgery, you might experience some discomfort, swelling, or pain, a regular part of the healing process. Your doctor can decide to change your diet for some time, prescribe medication to manage the pain, and recommend cold compresses to reduce the swelling.
Administration of Anesthesia
Thanks to today’s technology, providing different types of anesthesia is possible in a hospital setting and at a doctor’s office. Before any procedure, ensure that your oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist has sufficient experience and proper technology to administer anesthesia in his office. When managed professionally, office-based anesthesia is cost-effective and convenient.
Types of anesthesia typically used for oral or dental surgery include:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous-oxide oxygen
- Intravenous sedation
- General anesthesia
Dental Care
If your wisdom teeth are painless, cavity-free, and in healthy gums, you don’t have to worry about removing them. You should pay extra attention to proper cleaning and hygiene, though, and schedule regular annual examinations to x-ray your wisdom teeth and thus monitor any potential changes or developments.
