Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to appear in the human mouth, usually erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. Though not everyone gets wisdom teeth, the majority of people will ultimately have up to four of these extra molars in their mouths. But how many wisdom teeth does a person have? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and more about wisdom teeth.A person normally has four wisdom teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.
Different Types of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. They are the last teeth to develop in the mouth and are usually located at the very back of the jaw. There are four types of wisdom teeth, and they can vary significantly depending on their positioning.
The first type is an impacted wisdom tooth. This means that it hasn’t fully emerged from the gums, and instead is stuck or “impacted” beneath them. These types of teeth often require surgery to be removed, as they can cause pain and crowding in the back of the mouth.
The second type is a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This means that only part of it has emerged from the gums, and can be seen above them. In some cases, this type can still be removed with a simple procedure, but if there is an infection present, then surgery may be required to extract it.
The third type is a fully erupted wisdom tooth. This means that it has emerged completely from the gums and is fully visible in the mouth. These types of teeth can usually be removed without surgery, provided there isn’t an infection present.
The fourth type is an angled wisdom tooth. This means that instead of growing straight up like other teeth, it has grown in at an angle towards other teeth or gum tissue. This type requires special care when extracting them so as not to damage surrounding tissue or other teeth.
In general, when a person gets their wisdom teeth removed they should expect some degree of discomfort for a few days afterward due to swelling and soreness from surgery or extraction site preparation such as numbing injections or incisions made for removal.
It’s important to consult with your dentist before making any decisions about your wisdom teeth so you can understand what’s best for your individual situation.
Wisdom Teeth Classification
Wisdom teeth are classified as either impacted or erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that have not been able to break through the gum line due to lack of space in the jaw, while erupted wisdom teeth are those that have managed to push through the gum line, but may still be crooked or misaligned. The position of the impacted wisdom teeth is also important when it comes to their classification. They can be classified as: mesioangular, vertical, distoangular, and horizontal. Mesioangular impacted wisdom teeth are those that are angled towards the front of the mouth, while vertical impacted wisdom teeth are those that are pointing straight up or down. Distoangular impacted wisdom teeth point towards the back of the mouth, while horizontal impacted wisdom teeth lie horizontally within the jawbone.
Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can also be classified based on their degree of difficulty for removal. These include Class I (minimal difficulty), Class II (moderate difficulty), and Class III (severe difficulty).Class I involves wisdom teeth that have not yet broken through the gum line and can easily be removed with minimal surgery; Class II involves partially erupted wisdom teeth that may require a small incision in order to be removed; and Class III involves fully-erupted wisdom teeth that must be extracted through more extensive surgery.
Overall, understanding how wisdom teeth are classified is important for determining how best to treat them. By knowing which type of tooth is present and its level of difficulty for removal, dentists can provide appropriate care for their patients.
What Is The Average Age For Wisdom Teeth To Appear?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. However, it is common for them to appear earlier or later than this range. Wisdom teeth can emerge in any order and may be delayed or blocked by other teeth in the mouth.
Having wisdom teeth can cause crowding, pain, and infection if they become impacted or do not have enough space to erupt properly. For some people, the wisdom teeth may never emerge at all or may be removed before they can cause any problems.
It is important to visit a dentist for regular checkups throughout adolescence so that any changes in the mouth can be monitored over time. X-rays may be needed to determine if wisdom teeth are present and if they need to be removed. In some cases, dental professionals may recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause any issues.
The best way to ensure that wisdom teeth emerge without complications is by visiting a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings throughout adolescence so that any changes in the mouth can be monitored closely. Proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily and flossing once daily can also help keep wisdom teeth healthy and prevent potential complications from arising.
What Causes Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is simply that there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt normally. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, misalignment of the jaw, or a lack of space from existing teeth. Other causes can include gum disease or infection that block the eruption of the wisdom tooth, or cysts or tumors that can form around impacted wisdom teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may be caused by an injury to the jaw that affects the proper growth and development of the tooth. Finally, some people are simply born without enough room in their mouths for all four wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
Are There Complications Associated With Having Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The removal of wisdom teeth, or third molars, is a common procedure, but it may come with certain risks and complications. Although most people experience no problems after having their wisdom teeth removed, there are possible complications associated with the procedure. These include infection, nerve damage, sinus issues, and dry socket.
Infection is one of the most common complications after wisdom teeth removal. It can be caused by bacteria entering the surgical site and can lead to pain, swelling, and a fever. It is important to take all antibiotics prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon as directed to reduce the risk of infection.
Nerve damage can occur if an impacted wisdom tooth is located close to a nerve in the jawbone. Damage to the nerve may cause numbness in the lips or chin and may require further treatment.
Sinus issues can also occur after wisdom teeth removal if one of the upper molars is impacted near a sinus cavity. This can cause inflammation inside the sinus cavity and lead to difficulty breathing through one side of the nose.
Lastly, dry socket is another complication that can occur when a blood clot does not form in the socket after extraction or if it becomes dislodged before healing is complete. Dry socket causes intense pain and bad breath as well as an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Applying a medicated dressing or taking certain medications prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon can help reduce pain associated with dry socket.
Although these complications are possible following wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to remember that they are rare occurrences. Taking good care of your mouth before and after surgery will reduce your risk of developing any complications from having your wisdom teeth removed.
Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. It is not unusual for one or more of these teeth to become stuck in the jawbone (impacted) due to lack of space. This can cause a range of problems from mild discomfort to more serious oral health issues. Common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness around the jaw, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth. Other symptoms may include headaches, jaw pain when chewing or speaking, earache and a general feeling of being unwell.
Impacted wisdom teeth may also cause infection as bacteria can enter through small pockets around the tooth’s surface. This can cause redness and swelling in the gum tissue around the impacted tooth. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other parts of the mouth or even into the bloodstream causing serious complications such as fever or additional swelling in other parts of the body. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to consult with your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
In some cases impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any symptoms at all however regular check-ups with your dentist are recommended to monitor for any changes that may occur over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious oral health complications that could arise from an impacted wisdom tooth.
What Is The Recovery Time After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The recovery time after having wisdom teeth removed is typically about a week. During this time, the patient may experience swelling, bruising, and pain. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications or prescribed painkillers, while ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling. Patients should also rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days following the procedure. It is also important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the dentist or oral surgeon in order to ensure proper healing.
Patients should expect to have some degree of bleeding in the days following the removal of wisdom teeth. Gauze should be placed over the extraction site and replaced as needed until it becomes dry. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene during this period by brushing gently around the extraction site and using an antiseptic rinse twice a day.
It is important for patients to understand that it could take up to two weeks for their gums to fully heal after wisdom teeth removal. During this time, they should eat soft foods such as pudding, soup, applesauce, oatmeal, smoothies, and mashed potatoes in order to reduce irritation at the extraction site. Patients should also avoid drinking through straws or eating hard or chewy foods as these can disrupt healing or cause tissue damage.
Once healing has occurred, patients are typically able to resume their normal activities including exercise and eating whatever they want. However, it is important for them to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day in order to prevent any further issues from developing in the area where their wisdom teeth were removed.
Conclusion
A person typically has four wisdom teeth, though some may have fewer or more. While it’s not always necessary to have your wisdom teeth removed, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and infection if left in place. If your dentist or doctor has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important to consider all of the potential risks and benefits involved before making a decision.
No matter what decision you make regarding your wisdom teeth, it’s important to keep up with regular dental appointments so that any potential problems can be monitored. Early detection is key when it comes to avoiding serious oral health complications down the road.