Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically come in during the late teen years or early adulthood. Some people never develop wisdom teeth, but for those who do, it is important to understand why they form and what can be done if they cause problems. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of wisdom teeth and why some people get them while others do not.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back corners of the upper and lower jaws. Wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems, but they can become impacted if there isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to fully erupt, or if they grow in at an angle. Impacted wisdom teeth may need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth to Grow?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 24. Although wisdom teeth can be beneficial, they often cause overcrowding in the mouth, leading to painful impaction or other related issues. So what causes wisdom teeth to grow?
The growth of these teeth is largely determined by genetics. People inherit their jaw size from their parents, and if it’s too small to accommodate all 32 adult teeth, then some may become impacted and need to be removed. Additionally, certain environmental factors can influence the development of wisdom teeth. Poor dental hygiene can result in a buildup of plaque that can cause these third molars to form incorrectly.
Hormonal changes during puberty can also affect how wisdom teeth develop. The hormone progesterone causes jaw bones to soften and become more pliable, which allows for the eruption of further sets of molars. As such, wisdom teeth usually come in during this period when hormones are fluctuating rapidly.
In some cases, a person’s age may also have an impact on the growth of their wisdom teeth. As people get older, their jawbones tend to become smaller due to bone loss or gum disease which can lead to overcrowding and misalignment of the molars when they appear later on in life.
Overall, genetics are the primary factor that influences why some people develop wisdom teeth while others do not; however, environmental factors such as hormonal changes and poor oral hygiene can play a role as well. Additionally, age may contribute to whether or not these third molars grow properly depending on jawbone size or other bone-related issues like gum disease.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom is pain in the jaw, which can range from mild to severe. Pain may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of pressure in the jaw. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Other symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth, jaw stiffness, and difficulty eating certain foods. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to swelling of the gums or infection in the gums or surrounding areas of the mouth. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any symptoms at all. If this is the case for you, your dentist may recommend having them removed anyway to prevent future problems from arising. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist before making any decisions about treatment.
Diagnosis
Dentists diagnose impacted wisdom teeth by performing an oral examination and taking X-rays. During the oral examination, the dentist will look for signs of swelling or infection, as well as check for any damage to the surrounding teeth. X-rays are used to determine the exact position of the impacted wisdom tooth and how deeply it is embedded in the jawbone. The dentist will then be able to determine if extraction is necessary and make a treatment plan.
Treatment
The most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is extraction. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth and then using special instruments to remove it from its socket. In some cases, dentists may also need to cut away some of the bone surrounding the tooth in order to remove it completely. After extraction, dentists may prescribe antibiotics or pain medications if necessary.
What Is the Recovery Time After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Recovery time after wisdom tooth extraction will vary from person to person, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Generally speaking, it takes about three to four days for a patient to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. During this time, patients may experience swelling, pain, and some bleeding. It is important for patients to follow their dentist’s instructions regarding post-operative care and take any necessary medications as prescribed.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities such as exercise or heavy lifting for at least two days after the procedure. During this time, patients should also be sure to get adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids. Eating a soft diet and avoiding hard or crunchy foods will help with recovery as well.
It is also important for patients to keep their mouths clean by rinsing with salt water several times a day and brushing their teeth gently using an extra soft toothbrush. In addition, they should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during this period. These activities can lead to further complications such as infection or delayed healing.
The recovery period may also include regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure that healing is progressing in a healthy manner. If any complications arise during this time, it is important for patients to contact their dentist right away so that they can receive treatment if necessary.
Overall, recovery time after wisdom tooth extraction will vary from person to person but usually takes about three to four days. During this time, it is important for patients to practice proper oral hygiene and follow their dentist’s instructions in order to ensure a safe and successful recovery process.
Are There Any Complications from Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Removing wisdom teeth can have its complications. While it is a fairly common procedure, there are risks involved. The most common complications of wisdom teeth removal include infection, nerve damage, and pain. In some cases, the gum tissue surrounding the tooth may be difficult to repair and may need to be surgically repaired. In rare cases, the jawbone can be damaged during removal of the teeth.
Infection is one of the most common complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. This is because when wisdom teeth are removed, bacteria from the mouth can enter the wound site and cause an infection. Symptoms of an infection include redness, swelling, pain and fever. If an infection occurs after surgery, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it.
Nerve damage is another complication that can occur after wisdom teeth removal. This happens when a nerve near the extraction site is damaged or severed during surgery. Damage to a nerve can cause numbness or tingling in the area around the extraction site and can also affect speech and movement in some cases. Nerve damage typically resolves within a few months but in some cases it may require surgical repair or physical therapy to help restore function in affected areas.
Pain is another common complication after having your wisdom teeth removed. Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually prescribed to help manage discomfort after surgery but in some cases stronger pain medications may be needed if the pain persists or becomes severe. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking these medications as they can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly or for too long of a period of time.
It is important to remember that while these complications are possible, they are not very common and most people don’t experience any major issues after having their wisdom teeth removed. However, it is still important to discuss all risks associated with any medical procedure with your doctor before proceeding with treatment so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this procedure is right for you.
Take Care of Your Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a difficult experience, but the recovery process doesn’t have to be. Taking proper care of your mouth after wisdom teeth extraction can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Here are some tips for taking care of your mouth after the procedure:
Rest and Relaxation
It is important to rest and relax after having your wisdom teeth removed. This will help reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise, lifting heavy objects, or bending over for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Pain Medication
Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain or discomfort you may experience after the extraction. It is important to take any medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.
Ice Packs
Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and provide relief from pain and discomfort. Apply an ice pack at 20-minute intervals throughout the day for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Oral Hygiene
It is important to keep up with good oral hygiene even after having a wisdom tooth extracted. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to help prevent infection in the area where the tooth was extracted. You may also want to use a mouthwash or salt water rinses throughout the day to keep bacteria levels low in the mouth.
Eat Soft Foods
Eating soft foods that are rich in nutrients can help speed up healing time and provide necessary nutrients for recovery. Examples of soft foods include applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, soups, smoothies, cottage cheese, and mashed bananas. Avoid eating hard foods such as chips or popcorn that could irritate the area where you had surgery done until it has healed completely.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can slow down healing time in addition to increasing risk of infection in areas where surgery has been performed on the mouth or gums. It is best to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol while recovering from any kind of dental surgery including wisdom tooth extraction until it has fully healed.
Can I Prevent the Need for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Many people may wonder if they can prevent the need for wisdom tooth removal. The answer is yes, in some cases. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help prevent problems with wisdom teeth from developing. Brushing and flossing twice a day, visiting the dentist at least twice a year, and avoiding sugary or acidic foods can help keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of developing problems with your wisdom teeth.
If your dentist does find that you have an impacted wisdom tooth or other issue related to them, they may recommend extraction as the best course of action. However, there are some treatments available that can help to reduce the risk of needing to have them removed. These include orthodontic treatment, which can help to reposition misaligned teeth; antibiotics, which can be used to treat infections or inflammation; and surgical procedures such as bone grafts that can be used to make more room in the jaw for impacted teeth.
Ultimately, it is important to visit your dentist regularly so that any issues with your wisdom teeth can be caught early on before they become more serious and require extraction. Taking good care of your oral health will help you avoid many of the potential problems associated with wisdom teeth and may even help you avoid needing them removed altogether.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth are a mystery of evolution, and their purpose is still debated among scientists. It is clear, however, that wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort for many people. Fortunately, modern dentistry can help with the removal of wisdom teeth and alleviate any pain or discomfort caused by them. In many cases, wisdom teeth are simply removed to prevent future problems from developing. Ultimately, the decision to remove wisdom teeth should be based on the individual’s specific oral health needs.
No matter your opinion on wisdom teeth, they remain an important part of evolution that should not be ignored. With proper care and regular dental visits, you can make sure that your wisdom teeth don’t cause any issues and that they remain healthy for years to come.
In conclusion, wisdom teeth are a common occurrence in humans that have been around since ancient times. While their exact purpose may remain a mystery, these third molars can cause problems for many people due to overcrowding in the mouth or lack of space for them to emerge properly. If this is the case for you, it may be necessary to have them removed in order to avoid potential pain or discomfort in the future. By understanding why people get wisdom teeth and how they can affect oral health, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is necessary to have them removed.