Wisdom teeth often need to be removed because they can cause problems such as dental crowding, infections, cysts, or pain.
The jaw of modern humans is smaller than that of our ancestors, yet we still have almost the same number of teeth. As a result, the wisdom teeth come in last, and often, they lack sufficient space. Consequently, they start to grow crooked, partially emerge, or are completely trapped beneath the gum. Not only can this disrupt the nice alignment of the other teeth by pushing them out of place (goodbye, proper position!), but it can also be quite uncomfortable, even painful. That’s why many people end up with a dentist appointment to say goodbye to those infamous teeth.
When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge properly, they often become impacted. This means they get stuck beneath the gum or bone, creating all sorts of issues. An impacted tooth can grow at an angle, lie horizontally, or even remain completely trapped beneath the surface without coming out at all. This blockage sometimes leads to the formation of cysts or abscesses, small pockets filled with fluid that develop around the impacted tooth. These cysts can seriously damage the jawbone and may even affect the nearby nerves, leading to pain or numbness. More rarely, if left too long, a benign tumor can also appear around a tooth that is not developing properly. In short, a tooth stuck down there is not pleasant, and to avoid these troubles, it is often recommended to extract it.
Impacted wisdom teeth beneath the gum or growing sideways often lead to episodes of intense pain. The gum swells, becomes hypersensitive, and the affected area may show signs of frequent inflammation or even painful abscesses. These poorly erupted teeth sometimes create small pockets under the gum where food debris can get trapped. Consequently, bacteria proliferate rapidly in these spaces, exacerbating repeated infections that can be potentially painful to endure. Without extraction, these issues regularly recur.
When a wisdom tooth grows in crooked or lacks space, it can press against or push against the neighboring tooth. As a result, it risks damaging that tooth by causing abnormal wear, or even pushing hard enough to create movement. Continuous pressure can also lead to resorption of the roots of the adjacent teeth, thereby weakening their stability. In the most severe cases, this adjacent tooth may become completely loose or lose its vitality, necessitating more serious treatments such as root canal therapy or even extraction. Not ideal, really.
Wisdom teeth grow so far back in the mouth that it's a hassle to clean them properly while brushing. As a result, bacteria and food debris accumulate quietly, increasing the risk of developing cavities in that specific area. This hard-to-reach zone also promotes the formation of dental plaque and tartar, which eventually leads to inflammation or other oral issues. Once it settles in, good luck cleaning it all out easily — let's just say flossing becomes an extreme sport.
Wisdom teeth can sometimes alter dental alignment by exerting pressure on adjacent teeth, thereby compromising the results of orthodontic treatment.
Some people never develop their wisdom teeth. About 20 to 25% of the global population is affected by this so-called congenital absence.
Human evolution explains why wisdom teeth cause so many problems today: our jaws have shrunk over the centuries, leaving less space for these extra teeth.
Removing wisdom teeth preventively, before complications arise, generally leads to a faster recovery time and less postoperative pain.
To promote a quick recovery, it is important to follow the provided post-operative instructions: apply cold to reduce swelling, carefully take prescribed medications and antibiotics, avoid touching the wound with the tongue, prefer a soft diet, and maintain good oral hygiene.
Failing to remove impacted wisdom teeth increases the risks of infection, recurrent inflammation, persistent pain, displacement of adjacent teeth, and even the formation of cysts or lesions in nearby tissues.
Yes, it is possible to keep your wisdom teeth if they have enough space to grow normally, are well-aligned, and pose no risk of complications. However, it is important to regularly consult your dentist to monitor their development.
The wisdom tooth extraction procedure typically lasts between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the number of teeth to be removed, their position, and any potential anatomical complications.
The surgery itself is performed under local or general anesthesia and is therefore painless. However, slight pain or discomfort may occur after the procedure, usually decreasing after a few days with the help of medication prescribed by your dentist.
Extraction is generally recommended between the ages of 17 and 25, at which point the roots are not yet fully developed. This facilitates removal and reduces the risk of potential complications.
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